British Airways Invests £9m in Carbon Removals: Aiming for Net-Zero by 2050.

British Airways Takes Lead in Carbon Removals to Achieve 2030 Environmental Targets

British Airways has announced significant new partnerships aimed at making it the largest purchaser of carbon removals in the UK. This forms part of its ambitious 2030 sustainability drive, contributing to its long-term goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. With over £9 million committed to carbon removal credits in the UK and overseas, British Airways is setting an example in the aviation industry’s response to climate change.

A Groundbreaking Investment in Carbon Removals

The airline's latest carbon removal investments are part of a six-year strategy to address its environmental impact. In Scotland, British Airways is supporting an innovative scheme that captures CO2 emissions from whisky distilleries and repurposes them into building materials. Another UK-based project uses enhanced rock weathering to lock away carbon for thousands of years.

Furthermore, the airline has committed to high-durability reforestation initiatives in Scotland and Wales, contributing to the growth of forested land.

British Airways is also supporting international projects, such as a Canadian carbon capture programme that removes carbon from rivers and oceans using alkaline rock particles. In India, the airline is investing in a biochar project that enhances soil biodiversity while empowering female farmers.

Strengthening Partnerships to Scale the Carbon Removal Market

British Airways has joined forces with CUR8, a UK-based company that specialises in sourcing high-quality carbon removal credits. As part of its sustainability efforts, British Airways has purchased 33,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits through CUR8, helping to advance the carbon removals market, which is seen as crucial in addressing climate change.

“Achieving net zero by 2050 requires bold, innovative action today, and our latest investments in carbon removals reflect this commitment,” said Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways. While carbon removals represent a small percentage of the airline’s total emissions, these investments are crucial for stimulating the market and driving progress.

What Are Carbon Removals?

Carbon removal refers to the process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it for extended periods, ranging from decades to centuries. British Airways’ portfolio includes a variety of approaches, from capturing carbon in forests and soils to cutting-edge techniques like direct air capture and enhanced rock weathering, which stores carbon deep underground.

Combined with previous purchases, British Airways is now the largest carbon removals buyer in the UK and the largest airline globally in this space. This marks a significant step in building relationships with key carbon removal suppliers and understanding this rapidly evolving market.

CUR8 Partnership and Future Vision

CUR8’s CEO, Marta Krupinska, praised British Airways' proactive approach, stating: "British Airways understands that carbon removals are not a luxury, but essential for the aviation sector’s net zero journey.” She highlighted how the partnership has helped to create a diverse carbon removal portfolio that blends the best of nature and human engineering.

British Airways has been committed to net zero emissions since 2019, becoming the first airline group to make this pledge. The airline’s 2030 focus now includes embedding a culture of sustainability throughout the business, setting internal carbon reduction targets, and launching new sustainability training for employees.

New Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

In addition to its carbon removal initiatives, British Airways has partnered with The Earthshot Prize, an environmental prize founded by Prince William. As a Global Alliance Member, the airline will support the discovery and scaling of innovative climate solutions, from alternative fuels to reducing single-use plastics. Previous winners of The Earthshot Prize include LanzaTech, which works with British Airways’ sustainable aviation fuel partner LanzaJet.

British Airways' ongoing sustainability efforts include investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projects in the UK and USA, flying more fuel-efficient aircraft, and improving operational efficiency both in the air and on the ground. At Heathrow, over 90% of the airline’s vehicles and ground equipment are now either zero emissions, hybrids, or powered by HVO fuel.

Conclusion

British Airways is leading the way in the UK’s carbon removal efforts, showing a strong commitment to sustainability. With innovative projects and partnerships across the globe, the airline is setting a bold example in the aviation industry’s fight against climate change. By investing in carbon removal solutions today, British Airways is not only driving immediate progress but also laying the groundwork for long-term, large-scale transformation on its journey to net zero by 2050.

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