In a significant step towards promoting sustainable aviation, the European Commission today announced the adoption of a Regulation establishing a Flight Emissions Label (FEL), designed to provide passengers with a clear and reliable method for understanding flight-related greenhouse gas emissions.
The label will be operational by July 2025, allowing airlines operating within the EU or departing from it to voluntarily participate.
Currently, airlines use various methodologies to report flight emissions, leading to inconsistencies and confusion for travelers. The FEL aims to standardize emissions reporting by implementing a clear methodology that takes into account factors such as aircraft type, passenger averages, freight volume, and fuel consumption.
This standardized approach will enable passengers to compare the emissions of different flights while searching or booking online, thus making more informed decisions.
A dedicated logo will accompany each flight’s emissions data, ensuring reliability and protecting consumers from misleading claims often associated with greenwashing.
The initiative not only aims to inform passengers but also to foster competition among airlines, incentivizing them to adopt Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and modernize their fleets for greater efficiency.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will oversee the emissions estimation process, adhering to the latest international standards to guarantee fairness and transparency. By utilizing actual consumption data, the label encourages airlines to enhance their operational efficiency and reduce emissions.
Airlines wishing to adopt the Flight Emissions Label must apply by February 1, 2025, submitting the required data to EASA. Following this, EASA will begin assigning the first labels by July 1, 2025, which will be valid for flights during the 2025 winter season.
The implementation of the Flight Emissions Label aligns with the ambitions outlined in the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which seeks to advance sustainable aviation practices across the EU. This regulation is part of a broader strategy to increase the use of SAF, enhance the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and encourage systemic changes within the aviation industry.
Moreover, the scheme aims to create a level playing field, stipulating that private initiatives can’t display EU flight emissions information, ensuring uniform standards for all operators. This represents a critical move towards environmental accountability in aviation, paving the way for a greener future in air travel.
