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LONDON, April 22 (Reuters) - British Airways-owner
International Airlines Group committed to powering 10%
of its flights with sustainable aviation fuel by 2030, seeking
to make progress towards its longer term goal of achieving net
zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The group's pledge comes on the same day as a U.S.-led
climate change summit hosted by U.S. President Joe Biden, aimed
at securing commitments from governments on cutting carbon
emissions.
IAG said on Thursday that it plans to purchase one million
tonnes of sustainable jet fuel each year by 2030, which will be
the equivalent of removing one million cars from Europe's roads
each year.
The sustainable fuel generally produces up to 70% less
carbon than fossil fuels, offering airlines a way to become
greener while continuing to fly, before less carbon-intensive
hybrid, electric or hydrogen aeroplane options become available
from the late 2030s.
IAG, an Anglo-Spanish company, is headquartered in Britain,
which has one of the world's most ambitious climate change
targets, aiming to cut carbon emissions by 78% by 2035.
Due to the pandemic, flying is currently at very low levels,
but at the same time, pressure is growing on carriers to cut
emissions.
"It’s clearly challenging to transition to a low carbon
business model but, despite the current pandemic, we remain
resolute in our climate commitments," IAG chief executive Luis
Gallego said in a statement.
Airlines hope that by reducing their carbon footprints, they
can win back passengers who, due to COVID-19, have realised they
do not need to fly as much.
Gallego said that government support would be critical to
helping attract investment to get sustainable aviation fuel
plants up and running and producing sufficient volumes for the
future.
IAG plans to invest $400 million in developing sustainable
aviation fuel over the next 20 years, including building a
household waste to sustainable jet fuel plant in the UK.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Kate Holton and James
Davey)