IATA unveils first industry-developed passenger CO2 calculation methodology

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the launch of the IATA Recommended Practice Per-Passenger Carbon dioxide (CO2) calculation methodology, using verified airline operational data, to quantify CO2 emissions per passenger for a specific flight.

IATA’s methodology takes into account factors such as guidance on fuel measurement, aligned with the carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation, clearly defined scope to calculate CO2 emissions in relation to airlines’ flying activities and weight based calculation principle for allocation of CO2 emission by passenger and belly cargo.

IATA noted that as travellers, corporate travel managers, and travel agents are increasingly demanding precise flight CO2 emission information, an accurate and standardised calculation methodology is critical. 

This is particularly true in the corporate sector where such calculations are needed to underpin voluntary emissions reductions targets.

“Airlines have worked together through IATA to develop an accurate and transparent methodology using verified airline operational data. This provides the most accurate CO2 calculation for organisations and individuals to make informed choices about flying sustainably.

“This includes decisions on investing in voluntary carbon offsetting or sustainable aviation fuel use,” said IATA director general Willie Walsh.

He said the aviation industry is committed to achieving net zero by 2050.

“By creating an accepted industry standard for calculating aviation’s carbon emissions, we are putting in place essential support to achieve this goal.

“The IATA Passenger CO2 calculation methodology is the most authoritative tool and it is ready for airlines, travel agents, and passengers to adopt,” added Walsh.

-- BERNAMA