As concerns over the impact of aviation on the environment continue to grow, Air Canada has set a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The airline’s Climate Action Plan focuses on several key areas to achieve this ambitious target.
Fleet Renewal and Operations
Air Canada’s fleet renewal program will see the airline deploy energy-efficient Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 MAX narrow-body aircraft that are more efficient than older planes. These aircraft are expected to produce around 20 percent less carbon dioxide (CO2) and 50 percent less nitrogen oxides than the aircraft they replace. In addition, the airline has committed to electrifying its ground equipment.
Innovation
Air Canada has invested in Heart Aerospace Sweden’s ES-30 electric-hybrid aircraft, with a purchase agreement for 30 aircraft announced in 2022. This investment is part of the airline’s commitment to work towards long-term sustainability through the use of revolutionary electric aircraft technology.
SAF and Clean Energy
To support its commitment to sustainability, Air Canada has pledged to invest $50 million in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon reduction, and removal development by 2030. The airline is also supporting Direct Air Capture technology by Canadian climate solution company Carbon Engineering.
Carbon Offset Program
Air Canada has partnered with CHOOOSE to provide its customers with verified carbon offsets to compensate for the estimated greenhouse gas emissions associated with their flight. This voluntary program gives customers the opportunity to support certified third-party projects that reduce, avoid or remove GHG emissions. Projects supported include forest management in British Columbia and Peru, mangrove ecosystem conservation in Columbia, and improved cookstoves for indigenous people in Nepal.
Air Canada’s ambitious target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 shows the airline’s commitment to sustainability and the environment. Through its Climate Action Plan, Air Canada is making significant investments in fleet renewal and operations, innovation, SAF and clean energy, and carbon offset programs to achieve this goal.
