- High cost of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
- Need to scale up SAF production.
- Decarbonising aviation is a significant, multi-stakeholder undertaking.
- Fragmented European airspace leading to inefficiencies.
Aer Lingus
Greenhouse gas emissions & sustainability report data
In its 2023 reporting, Aer Lingus disclosed greenhouse gas emissions of 2.3M tCO2e/year (Scope 1). By scope: Scope 1: 2.3M tCO2e/year; Scope 2: 3.5K tCO2e/year (location-based) 420 tCO2e/year (market-based); Scope 3: 585.4K tCO2e/year. Figures are as stated in the company's own report and may use different boundaries, units or methods (for example market-based vs location-based Scope 2), so compare with care.
GHG Emissions
2.3M tCO2e/year (Scope 1)
2023
Renewable Energy
88% (electricity)
of total energy
Waste
See Waste Reduction Metrics
2023
Energy Use
10.7M kWh/year
2023
📊 Emissions by Scope (2023)
| Scope | What it covers | Reported value |
|---|---|---|
| Scope 1 | Direct emissions from sources the company owns or controls (fuel combustion, company vehicles, process and fugitive emissions). | 2.3M tCO2e/year |
| Scope 2 | Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat and cooling. | 3.5K tCO2e/year (location-based) 420 tCO2e/year (market-based) |
| Scope 3 | Other indirect emissions across the value chain (purchased goods, business travel, use of sold products, etc.). | 585.4K tCO2e/year |
New to scopes? Read Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained and market-based vs location-based Scope 2.
✅ Reported Environmental Achievements
- Reduced ground fleet emissions by up to 90% using HVO fuel.
- Added two new Airbus A320neo aircraft to short-haul fleet, delivering up to 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction.
- Became the first Irish airline to be awarded IEnvA stage 2 certification.
- Became the first airline to segregate and recycle onboard waste on short-haul flights into Ireland.
- Procured sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for the first time at London Heathrow (750 tonnes).
🎯 Climate & Sustainability Targets
🔜 Short-term
- Reduce onboard waste by 20% and recycle 40% of onboard waste by 2025.
- Zero single-use plastics onboard by 2025 (except where no viable alternative exists).
📅 Medium-term
- 10% of annual fuel consumption to be SAF by 2030.
- 20% reduction in Group net CO2 emissions by 2030 vs 2019.
- 10% improvement in fuel efficiency to 80g CO2/pkm in 2025 vs 2019.
🔭 Long-term
- Net zero CO2 emissions – Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 by 2050.
🌱 ESG Focus Areas
Climate ChangeWaste ReductionSupply Chain SustainabilityAir QualityNoise Reduction