JET2 has backed the Government’s Jet Zero strategy – which sets ambitious targets to reduce aviation’s carbon emissions – after joining the delivery group for sustainable air travel.

Aviation emissions should never return to pre-coronavirus levels, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has declared.

The Cabinet minister set out a series of commitments to achieve what the Department for Transport described as "guilt-free flying".

His Jet Zero strategy requires UK domestic aviation and English airports to reach net zero for carbon emissions by 2040. Jet2 bosses have described the stragey as 'an important milestone'. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Transport Secretary Gerant Shapps said ‘it should all be downhill for carbon emissions’ Transport Secretary Gerant Shapps said ‘it should all be downhill for carbon emissions’

Airlines operating in the UK must ensure sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) makes up at least 10 per cent of their jet fuel by 2030.

The Government's ambition is for at least five commercial-scale SAF plants to be under construction in the UK by 2025.

The Government is proposing for passengers to be given environmental information about specific flights at the time of booking from this autumn, to help them make more sustainable choices.

Mr Shapps said the UK is "setting an example of the ambition needed to tackle climate change".

Meanwhile, Jet2, based at Leeds Bradford Airport, has joined the Jet Zero Council, the partnership body between industry and government to deliver decarbonisation in the aviation sector, as part of the launch of the Jet Zero Strategy.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “The Jet Zero Strategy is an important milestone in the aviation sector’s journey to cut emissions to net zero by 2050.

"Travel and tourism are a force for good across the world and we must pursue a future where this can happen more sustainably.

“Public and private investment is essential to encourage the development of new decarbonisation technologies and we welcome the Government’s commitments today.

“The aviation industry is already contributing over £290m annually via the UK ETS, so these revenues should be ringfenced to accelerate decarbonisation.

“The Government must also increase funding for sustainable aviation fuels to ensure the UK meets its target of five SAF plants under construction by 2025.

“This will guarantee increased uptake across the industry whilst turbocharging the potential for SAF to drive job creation, ensuring the UK does not fall behind.

“Jet2 is also pleased to be joining the Jet Zero Council, building on our ambitious sustainability strategy and providing a voice for the North of England.

“The region is a flourishing area of green growth, and we are excited by the transformational potential of sustainable aviation to attract investment and deliver skilled jobs.”