Virgin Atlantic Airways Limited, commonly known as Virgin Atlantic, is a prominent player in the air transport services industry, headquartered in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1984, the airline has established itself as a key provider of long-haul flights, primarily operating between the UK and North America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
Renowned for its innovative approach to air travel, Virgin Atlantic offers a range of services, including premium economy and upper-class experiences that set it apart from competitors. The airline has achieved significant milestones, such as being the first to introduce a fully flat bed in business class, enhancing passenger comfort and satisfaction.
With a strong market position, Virgin Atlantic continues to be recognised for its commitment to sustainability and customer service excellence, making it a preferred choice for travellers seeking a unique flying experience.
+26 vs industry average
Virgin Atlantic’s score of 44 is higher than 65% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Air Transport is among the most carbon-intensive industries
Industry performance
The Air Transport industry has reduced its overall emissions by 25% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2028
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Virgin Atlantic's reported carbon emissions
Virgin Atlantic, an air transport services company headquartered in Great Britain (GB), has reported its carbon emissions across various scopes. For the reporting year 2025, the company's total reported emissions were approximately 4.54 billion kg CO2e. This figure includes Scope 1 emissions of about 3.81 billion kg CO2e and Scope 3 emissions of approximately 1.22 billion kg CO2e. Scope 2 emissions for 2025 were reported as about 1.03 million kg CO2e.
In 2024, Virgin Atlantic's total emissions amounted to approximately 5.07 billion kg CO2e. This comprised about 3.81 billion kg CO2e for Scope 1, 1.26 billion kg CO2e for Scope 3, and approximately 1.29 million kg CO2e for Scope 2 emissions.
The airline is committed to climate action with several reduction targets. By 2026, Virgin Atlantic aims for a 15% gross reduction in carbon emissions per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK), driven by fleet transformation and operational efficiencies. Looking further ahead, the company has set a target for a 15% net reduction in total CO2 emissions by 2030, which includes a 10% target for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage. Their long-term ambition is to achieve a 40% net reduction in total CO2 emissions by 2040.
Virgin Atlantic's emissions data is not cascaded from a parent organisation, indicating they report their own performance.
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Virgin Atlantic’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
2025
Near-zero scope 1 & 2
Target to achieve near-zero emissions for direct operations and purchased energy
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
Showing SBTi-validated targets only. Sign up or sign in to see all disclosed climate targets.
Scope 3 top emissions categories
No scope 3 category breakdown has been disclosed yet.
Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Virgin Atlantic
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