Article
The appointment comes after Jet2 initiated its sustainability strategy in January 2022, where it launched one of the world’s largest airline offsetting schemes, pledged to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2026, and committed to spend billions on up to 75 new, more efficient, Airbus A321neo aircraft which deliver an estimated 20% C02 emissions reduction per seat against previous models.
Headquartered in Leeds with more than 9,000 people employed across the UK, Jet2.com is one of the only major airlines headquartered in the North, with ten UK bases in operation (Belfast International, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle and London Stansted). The appointment brings greater regional representation to the Council and will see Jet2 among those leading the development of sustainable aviation in the North.
The industry body Sustainable Aviation estimates that a UK sustainable aviation fuels industry could deliver 20,000 jobs in industrial heartlands, and £3bn in revenue (Gross Added Value) for the economy, which Jet2 believes provides the opportunity to accelerate ‘Levelling Up’ and address regional disparities in the UK.
As part of the Council, Jet2 will seek to ask the Government to show greater transparency on where the money collected as part of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is spent, including calling for revenue to be put specifically towards decarbonisation policies. The EU, as part of its Fit for 55 package, has already committed to spending its ETS revenue on green policies. The UK gained its own ETS revenue after it exited the European Union and Jet2 believes it is right to follow suit.
In particular, Jet2 will work towards both delivering and calling for greater investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuels. This includes price stability mechanisms and investment that matches European and US commitments – the US has invested $4.3 billion in SAF compared to the UK’s £180 million. This will increase uptake across the industry and turbocharge the potential for SAF to drive job creation, ensuring the UK does not fall behind. Just one year of contributions by five UK airlines to the UK ETS scheme (estimated to be £290m in 2022 based on current market prices) covers the cost of the Government’s existing pledge on SAF. In order to meet the 10% aim mentioned in the Jet Zero Industry Charter clear government policy and funding support will be required.
Steve Heapy, Chief Executive of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to the Jet Zero Council today, a move which brings greater regional representation to the body and will allow us to move forward our ambition to be one of the leading brands in sustainable air travel and package holidays. Travel and tourism is a force for good, and making this more sustainable is an absolute priority for us. We have been working closely with Government as members of the SAF Delivery Group for some time, and becoming official members of the Jet Zero Council means we can have a bigger voice at the table at this critical time, working with Government and industry to ensure we reach net zero as fast as possible.”
You can read more about our Sustainability Strategy here: https://www.jet2.com/en/sustainability#flights
