Sustainability top of the agenda as CAA visits Jet2.com
Jet2.com demonstrated some of the tangible actions that are detailed in its updated sustainability strategy, during a visit by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to the leading leisure airline’s Manchester Airport Hangar on Monday 2nd September.
Jet2.com demonstrated some of its sustainability initiatives, including work to reduce its airside carbon footprint, through the introduction of all-electric crew buses and ground handling equipment, with over 50% of Jet2.com’s owned ground handling equipment in the UK now converted to an electric fuel supply.
Seeing the new equipment and sustainability advancements, senior figures from the CAA including CEO Rob Bishton, appreciated not only the environmental impact, but also how changes are enhancing the customer experience.
Steve Heapy, Chief Executive Officer at Jet2.com, said:
“We are proud of the work that we have done, and continue to do, to address our climate impact. This includes investing in new and more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as our order of 146 Airbus A321 NEO aircraft, which are over 20% more fuel efficient than older aircraft. We have also invested in a SAF production plant here in the UK. Additionally, we have also replaced millions of single use plastics from onboard our aircraft and met our carbon intensity reduction targets to date.
“Earlier this year we published an updated Sustainability Strategy, outlining our plans for the next decade to reduce our carbon intensity and increase our use of lower carbon alternative fuel or SAF. This strategy addresses our impacts In The Air, On The Ground and In Resort and we were pleased to demonstrate some of the tangible actions we have taken today, including the electrification of Jet2.com owned ground service equipment.
“Of course, a key lever to help drive decarbonisation is the modernisation of airspace, and we urge the UK government and the EU to accelerate the pace of these projects. Airspace modernisation, alongside moving to best-in-class aircraft and operations, could deliver between 12-15% of CO2 savings by 2050, so the time to act is now.”
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive Officer at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“Our mission is to protect people and enable aerospace so it’s important as the regulator to see first-hand the proactive steps the industry is taking to improve sustainability within the aviation sector.
“We recognise the need for transparency across industry on its sustainability efforts, which is why we’re working to ensure that passengers receive accurate and accessible environmental information, as well as consulting on enhancing industry’s reporting capabilities.
“Working together we can drive meaningful change towards a more sustainable future for aviation.”
The visit forms part of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s ongoing engagement with industry to understand the range of perspectives from the multiple areas it regulates and to help inform decision-making for the benefit of industry, consumers, and the public.
Pictured (left to right):
Reiner Krammer - Head of Corporate Finance & Risk, Civil Aviation Authority
Steve Heapy, Chief Executive, Jet2.com
Rob Bishton - Chief Executive, Civil Aviation Authority
Selina Chadha - Group Director for Consumers & Markets, Civil Aviation Authority
David Neill, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director, Jet2.com