Jet2 has been appointed by the UK Government to join the Jet Zero Council.
The council is part of the launch of the Jet Zero Strategy, a partnership body between industry and government to deliver decarbonisation in the aviation sector.
The appointment comes after Jet2 initiated its sustainability strategy in January 2022, where it launched one of the world’s largest airline offsetting schemes.
The company had pledged to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2026 and committed to spending billions on up to 75 new, more efficient, Airbus A321neo aircraft which deliver an estimated 20% C02 emissions reduction per seat against previous models.
As part of the Council, Jet2 will seek to ask the Government to show greater transparency on where the money collected as part of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is spent.
This would include calling for revenue to be put specifically towards decarbonisation policies.
In particular, Jet2 will work towards both delivering and calling for greater investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
This includes price stability mechanisms and investment that matches European and US commitments – the US has invested $4.3 billion in SAF compared to the UK’s £180 million.
This will increase uptake across the industry and turbocharge the potential for SAF to drive job creation, ensuring the UK does not fall behind.
Just one year of contributions by five UK airlines to the UK ETS scheme (estimated to be £290m in 2022 based on current market prices) covers the cost of the Government’s existing pledge on SAF.
In order to meet the 10% aim mentioned in the Jet Zero Industry Charter, clear government policy and funding support will be required.
Steve Heapy, Chief Executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to the Jet Zero Council today, a move which brings greater regional representation to the body and will allow us to move forward our ambition to be one of the leading brands in sustainable air travel and package holidays.
“Travel and tourism is a force for good, and making this more sustainable is an absolute priority for us. We have been working closely with the Government as members of the SAF Delivery Group for some time, and becoming official members of the Jet Zero Council means we can have a bigger voice at the table at this critical time, working with Government and industry to ensure we reach net zero as fast as possible.”
To read Jet2’s 2021 sustainability strategy please visit their website.
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