British Airways aims for carbon neutral growth

British Airways (BA) has claimed that carbon neutral growth from 2020 is possible using a combination of innovative and efficient practises.

In BA's One Destination plan the company outlines it's aim of halving its CO2 emissions by 2050 against 2005 levels but will have to overcome major challenges presented by jet fuel consumption, which accounts for 99% of its carbon footprint.

Initiatives the company are introducing are dedicated to flying smarter, shorter, and lighter, and have the key aim of reducing carbon emissions to 83 grams per passenger kilometre by 2035.

During the the next four months over 50 US flights will experiment with using GPS technology to track more direct routes and more efficient take-offs and landings to avoid wasting fuel.

BA has also researched and is developing ways of using less potable water on flights and low-friction outside coatings for aircraft could enhance fuel savings investing heavily in alternative green fuels. However, major steps towards sustainability in the aviation industry are only expected to be possible with significant investment in alternative fuels.

They have a deal in place with a biofuels company and the two are working together to build a biofuels plant in London capable of turning waste into fuel.