Emissions Management
The emissions associated with our jet fuel use are our single largest environmental impact, accounting for the majority of our total emissions footprint. Virgin Australia is seeking to minimise our emissions in a number of ways, in particular, through our fleet renewal program, comprehensive fuel efficiency initiatives, our focus on sustainable aviation fuels, and cooperation with key partners.
As our business grows, we are committed to continuing to work on reducing our impact on the environment. We know that our industry is hard to decarbonise, and delivering emissions reduction will take a range of measures.
Fleet renewal program
Operating an efficient aircraft fleet is critical to making our emissions as low as possible. Virgin Australia has been growing and modernising its fleet, supplementing our fleet of 737 NG aircraft with Boeing 737-8s which will produce 15 per cent lower emissions per flight. This program will continue with the addition of Boeing 737-10s which will reduce emissions by 17 per cent per seat trip. We are also phasing out our older fleet of F100 aircraft used in our VARA business, to be replaced by more fuel efficient Embraer E2 aircraft.
Fuel efficiency
We have a dedicated fuel efficiency team who oversee our fuel efficiency program and implement fuel efficiency initiatives including fuel policy optimisation, aircraft weight reduction and the use of technology to monitor and reduce fuel use. Operational changes introduced include single-engine taxiing, installation of scimitar winglets on selected aircraft and a focus on reduced use of the Auxiliary Power Unit. These and other technology and innovation projects, education, and training have enhanced fuel savings and reduced emissions.
Aircraft fuel efficiency can be affected by a range of factors such as weather and congestion. For this reason, Virgin Australia invests heavily in systems to accurately forecast weather patterns and works closely with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to source the best available data to improve safety and the efficiency of flight plans. The coordination of airspace in Australia and our region is a complex and important task.
Sustainable aviation fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) presents a significant opportunity for airlines to reduce their impact on the environment. Read more about Virgin Australia's role in developing a commercially viable sustainable aviation fuel industry in Australia.
Carbon offsetting
To help offset certain carbon emissions associated with flying, Virgin Australia offers our customers the opportunity to purchase carbon offsets through our Fly Carbon Neutral program. A portion of your contribution will also be reinvested into the continuous development of the Virgin Australia Fly Carbon Neutral program. Fly Carbon Neutral is certified under the Australian Government’s Climate Active Standard, which requires flight emissions relating to each opt-in passenger’s seat are calculated and offset.
To help offset emissions from your flight, simply add-on the Carbon Offset in the Travel Extras section of the booking process, or simply log in to Manage Your Booking after purchase.
We source carbon credits from projects that reduce, remove or capture carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
What is aviation’s impact on global warming / climate change?
Aviation is responsible for an estimated two per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Most of this impact is from fossil fuel burned during each flight, which results in the addition of carbon dioxide and other damaging gasses into the atmosphere.
How do carbon offsets make a difference?
Carbon offset projects invest in measures to reduce, remove or capture greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the atmosphere. Some of the projects focus on work to remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere, such as planting trees and vegetation. Other projects work to reduce the impacts of human activity such as implementing energy efficiency measures and improved agricultural practices.
How are greenhouse gas emissions calculated for each flights?
We calculate an estimate of carbon emissions per passenger for each flight using a methodology that has been approved through the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard, which is a partnership between the Australian Government and Australian businesses. Carbon emissions data relating to our operations is collected annually as well as flight and passenger numbers to calculate a per passenger emission value estimate for each flight.
International participation
The international aviation industry has prioritised the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through targets set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA has set a target for the global air transport industry to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Through our participation in Airlines for Australia and New Zealand (A4ANZ) we have supported a roadmap for sustainable flying to reach net zero by 2050.