Virgin Atlantic Sustainability Profile
Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited, commonly known as Virgin Atlantic, is a prominent British airline headquartered in Crawley, GB. Founded in 1984, the airline has established itself as a key player in the international aviation industry, primarily operating transatlantic flights between the UK and North America, as well as select routes to the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. Renowned for its innovative approach to air travel, Virgin Atlantic offers a range of services, including Economy, Premium, and Upper Class cabins, each designed to provide a unique flying experience. The airline is celebrated for its exceptional customer service and stylish onboard amenities, setting it apart from competitors. With a strong market position, Virgin Atlantic has achieved numerous accolades, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the premium travel sector.
DitchCarbon Score
How does Virgin Atlantic'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
Virgin Atlantic's score of 23 is higher than 56% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Virgin Atlantic's reported carbon emissions
In 2024, Virgin Atlantic reported total carbon emissions of approximately 5,069,289,000 kg CO2e, with emissions distributed across various scopes: 3,812,024,000 kg CO2e from Scope 1, 1,291,000 kg CO2e from Scope 2, and 1,257,265,000 kg CO2e from Scope 3. This marked a slight increase from 2023, where total emissions were about 4,653,960,000 kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at 3,520,093,000 kg CO2e, Scope 2 at 1,326,000 kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at 1,133,867,000 kg CO2e. Virgin Atlantic has set ambitious climate commitments, aiming for a 15% net reduction in total CO2 emissions by 2030, which includes a target of 10% from sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Additionally, the airline plans to achieve a 40% net reduction in total CO2 emissions by 2040. In the near term, they are also targeting a 15% gross reduction in carbon emissions per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK) by 2026, driven by fleet transformation and operational efficiency. The emissions data is not cascaded from any parent organization, and all figures are reported directly by Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. The airline's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint aligns with industry standards and reflects a proactive approach to addressing climate change.
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| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | 4,194,229,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
| Scope 2 | 3,225,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 | 0,000,000 |
| Scope 3 | 1,729,267,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 | 0,000,000,000 |
How Carbon Intensive is Virgin Atlantic's Industry?
How Carbon Intensive is Virgin Atlantic's Location?
Virgin Atlantic's Scope 3 Categories Breakdown
Virgin Atlantic's Scope 3 emissions, which increased by 11% last year and decreased by approximately 27% since 2019, demonstrating supply chain emissions tracking. Their carbon footprint includes suppliers and value chain emissions, with Scope 3 emissions accounting for 25% of total emissions under the GHG Protocol, with "Fuel and Energy Related Activities" being the largest emissions source at 63% of Scope 3 emissions.
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Virgin Atlantic'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.
Virgin Atlantic has not publicly committed to specific 2030 or 2050 climate goals through the major frameworks we track. Companies often set interim 2030 targets and long-term 2050 net-zero goals to demonstrate measurable progress toward decarbonization.
