EasyJet signed a contract with Airbus for its carbon-removal initiative, becoming the first airline to do so.
The aerospace company’s technology, available through a program called the Airbus Carbon Capture Offer, uses direct air carbon capture and storage, or DACCS, that allows airlines to gain carbon removal credits and support the movement to decarbonize aviation.
DACCS uses fans and filtration to extract CO2 from the air so it can be stored in underground reservoirs. While CO2 emissions from aircraft operations cannot be eliminated at source, the companies said, an DACCS can remove an equivalent amount from the air. EasyJet and Airbus said the technology is complementary to other carbon reduction efforts including sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF.
“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, complementing other components to help us achieve our pathway to net zero,” said Thomas Haagensen, group markets director at EasyJet. “Our ultimate aim is to achieve zero carbon emission flying and, as well as investing into important projects like direct air carbon capture technology, we are working with multiple partners—including Airbus—to accelerate the development of zero carbon emission aircraft technology.”
EasyJet was one of the first airlines to sign an agreement with Airbus in 2022 to negotiate regarding the possible pre-purchase of carbon removal credits. The credits EasyJet will receive through the deal with Airbus will last from 2026 to 2029, the companies said.
“EasyJet is a strong advocate of decarbonisation, for its operations and the wider aviation sector. This agreement demonstrates the airline’s willingness to extend its environmental commitment through Airbus’ Carbon Capture Offer,” said Julie Kitcher, executive vice president of communications, sustainability, and corporate affairs at Airbus. “Initiatives such as this one underline Airbus’ commitment to decarbonisation solutions for our industry and to, bringing together airlines and industry players from all sectors in order to build a sustainable aviation ecosystem.”
