Staff Writer
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the International Air Transport Association have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore how the European Union Flight Emissions Label can work with IATA’s environmental data systems, EcoHub and the IATA carbon dioxide (CO₂) connect calculator.
The aim is to streamline industry processes so passengers can see clear and consistent CO₂ emissions data when booking flights.
The Flight Emissions Label came into effect under an EU regulation launched in 2024 and gives airlines a trusted framework to share emissions information with passengers.
IATA’s EcoHub is a system used to manage sustainability data, reporting and compliance.
CO₂ Connect collects airline operational data and calculates CO₂ performance for flights, similar to what is needed for the flight emissions label.
The new agreement will allow EASA and IATA to align processes in a way that supports airline participation in the flight emissions label at a lower cost.
Florian Guillermet, executive director of EASA, said, “This partnership with IATA, the world’s largest airlines’ association, will make it easier for airlines to join the flight emissions label.
The more airlines we have on board, the better the overall information for air passengers, allowing them to make informed choices when they book their flights.”
Willie Walsh, director general of IATA, said, “Regulatory compliance and customer demands for transparent emissions information must be met with the highest standards.”
The regulation that created the Flight Emissions Label was adopted by the European Commission in December 2024. It aims to give passengers information on flight-related emissions so they can make informed decisions when booking and comparing flights.
The label brings a harmonised method for calculating emissions, reporting data and displaying information for all airlines operating in the European Union.
The process is fully digital, which reduces the administrative work required from airlines. Both EU and non-EU airlines covered under Regulation (EU) 2023/2405, known as ReFuelEU Aviation, can join the Flight Emissions Label voluntarily.
IATA manages the EcoHub and CO₂ Connect systems, which calculate emissions for passengers and cargo using primary operational data collected from more than 90 airlines.
Caption
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the International Air Transport Association have agreed to streamline processes across the industry to make CO₂ emissions data visible.
-Photo: Contributed
