British Airways Sustainability Profile
British Airways, the flagship carrier of the United Kingdom, is headquartered in London, GB. Founded in 1974, it has grown to become one of the world's leading airlines, operating an extensive network across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. The airline is renowned for its premium services, including World Traveller and Club World classes, which offer a unique blend of comfort and luxury. As a key player in the aviation industry, British Airways focuses on passenger and cargo transport, consistently achieving high standards in customer service and operational efficiency. Notable milestones include its merger with Iberia in 2011, forming the International Airlines Group (IAG), which solidified its market position. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, British Airways continues to enhance its offerings, making it a preferred choice for travellers worldwide.
DitchCarbon Score
How does British Airways's carbon action stack up? DitchCarbon scores companies based on their carbon action and commitment to reducing emissions. Read about our methodology to learn more.
Industry Average
Mean score of companies in the Air Transport industry. Comparing a company's score to the industry average can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
Industry Benchmark
British Airways's score of 33 is higher than 61% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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British Airways's reported carbon emissions
In 2023, British Airways reported total carbon emissions of approximately 15.0 billion kg CO2e, all of which were classified under Scope 1 emissions, with no reported emissions from Scope 2 or Scope 3. This marks an increase from 2022, when the airline's total emissions were about 11.9 billion kg CO2e, also solely from Scope 1. The airline's emissions data is cascaded from its parent company, International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A., reflecting its status as a current subsidiary. British Airways has not set specific reduction targets through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) or other climate pledges, indicating a lack of formalised commitments to reduce emissions at this time. Historically, British Airways has faced challenges in reducing its carbon footprint, with significant emissions recorded in previous years, such as approximately 19.1 billion kg CO2e in 2019 and about 18.9 billion kg CO2e in 2018. The airline's focus remains on operational efficiency and sustainability initiatives, although specific reduction strategies have not been disclosed. Overall, British Airways continues to navigate the complexities of carbon emissions management within the aviation industry, with a clear need for enhanced climate commitments and reduction strategies moving forward.
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| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 17,286,593,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 | 00,000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 65,308,000 | 00,000,000 | 00,000,000 | - | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | - | - |
| Scope 3 | 5,225,577,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | - | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | - | - |
How Carbon Intensive is British Airways's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is British Airways's Location?
British Airways's Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
Climate goals typically focus on 2030 interim targets and 2050 net-zero commitments, aligned with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure alignment with global climate goals.
British Airways has established climate goals through participation in recognized frameworks and target-setting initiatives. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
