EU Commission Launches Public Consultation on Flight Emissions Label to Standardize Airline CO₂ Reporting
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- Enhanced Transparency: The EU launches a public consultation on the Flight Emissions Label (FEL), aimed at providing passengers with reliable environmental data.
- Passenger Empowerment: 80% of passengers want emissions data, but only 5% have access to it. The FEL addresses this gap.
- Voluntary Adoption: From 2025, airlines can voluntarily join the scheme, promoting environmental accountability in the aviation industry.
The European Commission has initiated a public consultation on its draft proposal to introduce the EU Flight Emissions Label (FEL). This voluntary initiative is designed to provide passengers with standardized and trustworthy environmental information on flights within the European Union.
Bridging the Information Gap
Today, 80% of air passengers want to understand the carbon impact of their flights, yet only 5% can access this information. The FEL seeks to change this by offering clear data on emissions, such as aircraft type, average passenger numbers, freight volume, and fuel type.
“Clear, verified information is fundamental to better inform our choices for travel,” said Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate Action and Transport.
A Reliable System for All
Currently, airlines use different methodologies for reporting flight emissions, making it difficult for passengers to compare data. The FEL aims to create a unified system to ensure reliability and transparency. Airlines adopting the FEL will display emissions data alongside their flight information online, allowing passengers to make more environmentally conscious decisions.
“The future label will help incentivize airlines to improve their environmental performance,” added Hoekstra, noting that it will encourage investment in cleaner fuels and more efficient aircraft.
What’s Next?
By 2025, airlines operating flights within or departing from the EU will have the option to join the FEL. A dedicated logo will highlight flights that adhere to the label’s standards. Additionally, a public webpage will be launched for travelers to compare emissions data and rank airlines based on their environmental performance on specific routes.
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The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will oversee the implementation, including data collection and emissions verification in line with the EN ISO 14083:2023 standard.
This initiative marks a significant move toward increased transparency and environmental responsibility in aviation, empowering passengers with the data they need to choose greener travel options.