Press Release

Transatlantic airlines’ poor fuel-economy shows need for efficiency standards and carbon pricing

November 17, 2015

Some of the world’s largest airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa and United Airlines, are among the least fuel-efficient carriers on transatlantic routes, according to a new study. The failure of highly profitable carriers to invest in more fuel-efficient planes on one of the most lucrative routes in the world is a clear sign that efficiency standards and carbon pricing are needed, sustainable transport group Transport & Environment said.

table.jpg

Graph by ICCT
 
BA ranked as the least fuel-efficient airline on a transatlantic route in 2014, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation. It burned 51% more fuel per passenger-kilometre than the most efficient carrier, Norwegian Air Shuttle. BA is among the many premium carriers that fall below the industry average. Others include Lufthansa, American Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
 
Andrew Murphy, aviation policy officer at Transport & Environment, said: “If you can’t get highly profitable airlines on the most lucrative route in the world to improve fuel efficiency, then how can you expect it to happen elsewhere? Efficiency standards and carbon pricing are needed if aviation is to play its role in keeping global warming below 2 degrees.”

Related Articles

View All
Plane flying over pink skyline, under license from Canva Pro
Press Release

Airline emissions soar to pre-COVID levels as Europe fails to price their pollution

Emissions from European aviation have almost bounced back to 2019 levels, with flights within Europe even exceeding these, a new T&E study shows. The ...

Plane flying over clouds, image under license from Canva Pro
Publication

Europe’s 2024 airline emissions uncovered

Emissions from European aviation have almost bounced back to pre-COVID levels, and airlines are not currently paying for the true cost of their pollut...

Chapter 3.png
Press Release

Corporate travel reduced by a third on 2019 levels despite increased flying by Merck, Bosch and JPMorgan Chase

Business travel emissions of 239 global companies fell by 34% since 2019, but disproportionate flying by Merck, Bosch, JPMorgan Chase and other top po...