BusinessClass — Born in Norway

British Airways puts sustainability at the heart of its future

Henrik Hanevold Henrik Hanevold Sep 9, 2021
British Airways puts sustainability at the heart of its future

As the global spotlight turned to Glasgow for the COP26 climate summit, British Airways reaffirmed its commitment to a greener future by unveiling its visionary BA Better World sustainability program.

In a bold demonstration of its environmental priorities, British Airways revealed an Airbus A320neo—renowned for its advanced fuel efficiency—sporting a bespoke livery dedicated to the new sustainability campaign.

 

During the conference, British Airways partnered with bp to exclusively use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on all flights connecting London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. This partnership achieved up to an 80% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Furthering its green credentials, British Airways now offers passengers the option to purchase SAF to directly lower their journey’s carbon footprint, in addition to established carbon offset programs.

With a legacy of pioneering environmental stewardship, British Airways was the first airline to publicly disclose its carbon emissions in 1992 and to join the UK emissions trading scheme in 2002. By 2020, it had become the first major carrier to voluntarily offset all domestic flight emissions. In 2025, the airline continues to lead with innovative sustainability strategies.

British Airways has also rolled out a suite of eco-conscious measures, from transitioning its ground fleet to renewable energy-powered electric vehicles, to reducing aircraft weight through lighter seating, streamlined galley carts, and digital flight documentation. The airline has eliminated single-use plastics wherever possible and sources amenity kits and bedding from recycled materials—such as its exclusive First Class duvets and World Traveller Plus amenity sets.

Explore our expert insights on British Airways First Class