Air France ACT: new action plan for CO2 emissions reduction
Air France is stepping up its actions to efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions in its operations. With its new 'Air France ACT', the airline has launched a programme with three priorities towards the environmental transition. With the action plan, the airline adopts a transparent, realistic and science-based approach with concrete and measurable actions.
The program has a clear goal: 30% less CO₂ emissions per passenger/km by 2030 compared to 2019, i.e., 12% fewer emissions in absolute terms. To reach this goal, Air France's programme focuses on three critical priorities. First, to reduce the direct emissions generated by Air France operations, and second, to reduce indirect emissions generated upstream and downstream of the company's activities. Thirdly, the airline focuses on several support projects that absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Decarbonising aviation
The most significant step towards this goal is decarbonising aviation. This difficult step will require close cooperation between the different stakeholders: aircraft manufacturers, engine manufacturers, fuel suppliers, airports, air traffic control, public authorities, research institutes and academia. The trajectory is based on a scientific assessment method developed by the independent reference organisation SBTi (Science-Based Target initiative), to whom it was submitted.
To achieve these goals, Air France will act in the following areas:
- Fleet renewal with new-generation aircraft. This includes operating Airbus A220, and Airbus A350 aircraft.
- Increased use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
- Eco-piloting techniques, for example by taxiing using only one of the engines whenever possible and the use of optimised flight paths using artificial intelligence.
- Introduction of a more responsible catering offer, to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Developing intermodal transport (for example by train) to offer low-carbon transport alternatives for short distance journeys.
