British Airways has signed a £9 million deal to purchase carbon removal credits as part of its efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The airline will become the largest purchaser of carbon removals in the UK and the largest airline purchaser globally through this six-year agreement.
Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, said the investment reflects the airline’s commitment to delivering tangible progress by 2030.
“While small in comparison to our total emissions, these projects are crucial in stimulating the carbon removals market,” Ms Harris said.
The portfolio includes innovative projects in the UK and overseas, such as capturing CO2 from whisky distilleries in Scotland and enhanced rock weathering techniques across multiple UK locations.
British Airways has partnered with CUR8, a UK-based company specialising in sourcing high-quality carbon removal credits. The airline has purchased 33,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits through CUR8.
Marta Krupinska, CEO of CUR8, praised British Airways for recognising carbon removals as essential to the aviation sector’s net zero journey.
“British Airways is a leading brand that recognises that with this early investment, it can help to make an impact not only for themselves but for the industry at large,” Ms Krupinska said.
The airline expects roughly one-third of its emissions reductions by 2050 to come from carbon removals.
British Airways has also announced a new partnership with The Earthshot Prize, becoming a Global Alliance Member to support the discovery and scaling of innovative climate solutions.
The carbon removal investments complement the airline’s existing sustainability initiatives, including investments in sustainable aviation fuel projects and improving operational efficiency.
