The UK Civil Aviation Authority has praised the “proactive steps to improve sustainability across the aviation sector” following a visit to Jet2’s Manchester base.
According to the regulator, Jet2 demonstrated some of its sustainability initiatives to the CAA, including its work to reduce its airside carbon footprint through all-electric crew buses and ground handling equipment – with more than 50 per cent of the airline’s owned GSE in the UK now battery-powered.
The visit comes as the regulator prepares to consult with industry on enhancing both its environmental reporting capabilities and performance through its Aviation Environmental Review, as well as publish findings and next steps on its Consumer Environmental Information consultation.
Rob Bishton, CEO of 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.”
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, 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 A321neo aircraft, which are over 20 per cent more fuel efficient than older aircraft.
“We have also invested in a sustainable aviation fuel 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.”
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, it said.
