easyJet PLC has become the first airline to sign up to Airbus Group (EPA:AIR)’s carbon capture scheme.
Through the use of carbon capture and storage, Airbus’s scheme sees airlines offered credits to offset emissions produced from flights.
“Decarbonising a hard-to-abate sector, such as aviation, is a huge challenge and we believe carbon removal will play an important role in addressing our residual emissions in the future,” easyJet director Thomas Haagensen said.
Direct air carbon removal aims to remove emissions from the atmosphere through the use of high-powered extraction fans and filters.
These captured emissions are then pumped to be stored in underground reservoirs.
easyJet’s credits will last from 2026 to 2029, a statement said on Monday, with these being issued by carbon removal group 1PointFive, from which Airbus has agreed the pre-purchase of 400,000 tonnes worth of credits.
easyJet added the use of carbon removal was “complementary” to the development of other green technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and hydrogen-powered engines.
“easyJet is a strong advocate of decarbonisation, for its operations and the wider aviation sector,” Airbus sustainability vice president Julie Kitcher added.
“This agreement demonstrates the airline’s willingness to extend its environmental commitment through Airbus’s carbon capture offer.”