IATA to Release First Industry-Developed Methodology for Calculating Airline Passenger CO2 Emissions

by Christopher Surgenor (GreenAir Online) With travellers, corporate travel managers and travel agents increasingly demanding accurate and precise emissions data, airline trade body IATA has launched the first industry-developed methodology for calculating CO2 emissions per passenger for a specific flight. The IATA Recommended Practice Per-Passenger CO2 Calculation Methodology was developed by a working group consisting of 20 major airlines, with major aircraft manufacturers validating the methodology as it was being developed. In parallel, IATA said it consulted with stakeholders across the industry, including international standards-setting bodies and major freight forwarders and shippers. The adoption of the methodology is subject to a vote being taken on March 29 by member airlines at the IATA Passenger Services Conference, after which more details about the methodology will be released. IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, said the CO2 calculation would enable organisations and individuals to make informed choices about flying sustainably, including decisions on investing in voluntary carbon offsetting or the use of sustainable aviation fuels.

“The plethora of carbon calculation methodologies with varying results creates confusion and dents consumer confidence,” he commented. “Aviation is committed to achieving net zero by 2050. By creating an accepted industry standard for calculating aviation’s carbon emissions, we are putting in place essential support to achieve this goal. The IATA Passenger CO2 Calculation Methodology is the most authoritative tool, and it is ready for airlines, travel agents and passengers to adopt.”

Although the calculation scope is confined to the fuel burn and CO2 emissions related to flight operations, IATA said there was flexibility to optionally include upstream CO2 emissions – those that are in relation to the production or transportation of jet fuel, as opposed to direct emissions, resulting from combustion during a flight – should these be required by local regulations. READ MORE