The EU Flight Emissions Label (FEL) is a game-changer for aviation sustainability. It provides a harmonized way for passengers to see how their flight choices impact the environment, while ensuring airlines report emissions transparently. To help airlines, passengers, and stakeholders understand the essentials, here are answers to the most common questions about deadlines, data requirements, and compliance under the FEL framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What exactly is the EU Flight Emissions Label (FEL)?
The FEL is a standardized label that displays the estimated greenhouse gas emissions of a flight. It helps passengers compare flights based on their environmental footprint and gives airlines a transparent way to showcase their operational sustainability.
2. Who needs to comply with the FEL?
The scheme applies to aircraft operators flying within or from EU airports. While participation is voluntary, once an airline opts in, it must apply the FEL consistently across all flights in scope.
3. What type of data do airlines need to report?
Airlines must provide verified information about their operations, such as:
- Aircraft types and seating configurations
- Passenger numbers and freight carried
- Block fuel consumption
- Life Cycle Emissions (LCE) of the aviation fuels uplifted at each airport
This data must be independently verified before submission.
4. How often do airlines have to report data?
Data is typically reported on an annual cycle. Operators submit applications for labels, provide verified flight and fuel data, and then receive FELs issued for upcoming scheduling periods.
5. How are emissions calculated for the FEL?
Emissions are estimated using a standardized methodology managed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The process considers:
- Fuel consumption (based on actual or estimated block fuel)
- Life Cycle Emissions of the fuels used
- Passenger and freight load factors
- Route distances
Default values are applied if precise data is not available.
6. What is the difference between the primary and secondary display of the FEL?
- Primary display: Simple, visible information such as emissions per passenger for a given flight, shown during booking.
- Secondary display: More detailed data, including per passenger-kilometre figures, methodology notes, and comparisons against benchmarks.
7. Where must airlines display the FEL?
The FEL must appear at all points of sale, including airline websites, booking engines, and contractual sales platforms. It should also be visible in advertising, digital applications, and potentially on boarding passes.
8. What happens if airlines fail to comply?
EASA monitors compliance and conducts reviews. Airlines may face corrective actions, revocation of labels, or reputational risks if they display inaccurate or misleading information.
9. Does the FEL also apply to cargo flights?
Initially, the focus is on passenger flights. However, freight services are also included within the scope, with dedicated metrics for freight emissions per tonne.
10. Why does the FEL matter?
The FEL strengthens consumer trust, helps combat greenwashing, and drives airlines toward more sustainable practices. For passengers, it provides the transparency needed to make climate-conscious choices.
VURDHAAN’s Expertise in FEL Advisory
At VURDHAAN, we specialize in guiding airlines and stakeholders through the complexity of aviation sustainability regulations. Our services include:
- Compliance readiness: Ensuring operators meet FEL reporting, verification, and display requirements.
- Data strategy: Helping airlines build robust systems for accurate emissions tracking.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel integration: Advising on SAF strategies that improve both performance and FEL ratings.
- Stakeholder communication: Developing clear, credible sustainability messaging that aligns with FEL standards.
We see the EU Flight Emissions Label as not just a compliance requirement, but a powerful opportunity for airlines to build transparency, credibility, and competitive advantage. With VURDHAAN’s expertise, operators can turn regulatory obligations into sustainability leadership.