The European Commission has introduced Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3170, establishing a voluntary environmental labelling scheme for flights, known as the Flight Emissions Label. This initiative aims to provide transparent and harmonized data on flight emissions, empowering passengers to make informed choices while encouraging airlines to adopt sustainable practices.
Transparent and Standardized Emissions Estimation
The regulation details a robust methodology to estimate emissions, factoring in:
- Fuel Lifecycle Emissions: Includes both production-to-transport (well-to-tank) and in-flight combustion (tank-to-wheel) emissions.
- Passenger and Freight Allocation: Emissions are split between cabin and freight, with passenger emissions further divided by cabin class based on weight and seating area.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs): Lower lifecycle emissions of SAFs are incentivized through detailed reporting requirements.
Where primary data is unavailable, models like the Breguet-Range Equation provide accurate approximations.
User-Friendly Label Design
The label features:
- Primary Display: Highlights emissions per passenger or tonne of freight, shown throughout the purchase process.
- Secondary Display: Offers deeper insights, including lifecycle emissions and route-specific comparisons.
- Standardization: Uniform presentation across digital platforms and advertisements ensures accessibility.
Accountability and Implementation
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) oversees compliance, reviewing biannual reports and maintaining a public emissions website. Initially covering passenger flights, the scheme will extend to freight services by 2028.
Driving Sustainable Aviation
This regulation fosters eco-conscious choices and incentivizes airlines to adopt cleaner fuels and efficient operations. The Flight Emissions Label is key to aligning the aviation sector with Europe’s climate neutrality goals. For tailored guidance on compliance and sustainable practices, VURDHAAN offers expert support.
Download PDF Here: COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2024/3170