In a bold move to accelerate its climate change efforts, British Airways has announced a new set of carbon removal partnerships aimed at making it the largest purchaser of carbon removals in the UK and the largest airline purchaser globally.
This ambitious initiative forms part of the airline’s broader sustainability transformation plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, or sooner, with a renewed focus on achieving meaningful progress by 2030.
Accelerating climate action
British Airways has committed to purchasing more than £9 million worth of carbon removal credits over the next six years. The credits, sourced through UK-based CUR8 and other partners, will support innovative carbon removal projects both within the UK and internationally.
These investments are critical in helping stimulate the growing carbon removals market, a vital part of the airline’s strategy for emissions reductions.
One-third of British Airways' total emissions reductions by 2050 will come from carbon removals. By making these early investments, the airline hopes to catalyse growth in the sector and encourage broader industry participation. Carrie Harris, British Airways' Director of Sustainability, emphasized the importance of acting now:
"As we approach the halfway point in this critical decade of action, we’re sharpening our focus on delivering real, tangible progress by 2030. While small in comparison to our total emissions, these projects are crucial in stimulating the carbon removals market. By supporting pioneering solutions, we’re laying the groundwork for the large-scale changes needed to meet our climate goals. There is no pathway to net zero for aviation without carbon removals."
Innovative projects across the globe
British Airways is partnering with several cutting-edge projects that represent a variety of carbon removal approaches. Notable UK-based initiatives include capturing CO2 emissions from whisky distilleries in Scotland and repurposing them into building materials, as well as enhanced rock weathering projects across the UK designed to lock away carbon for thousands of years.
In addition, the airline’s portfolio includes reforestation projects in Scotland and Wales, Canadian carbon capture initiatives targeting rivers and oceans, and a biochar project in India that empowers female farmers while enhancing soil health.
The airline has also signed smaller carbon removals deals with Climeworks and 1PointFive, both of which focus on Direct Air Capture technology. These investments, though currently small, signify the airline’s commitment to advancing a variety of carbon removal technologies.
British Airways and The Earthshot Prize
Further highlighting its commitment to innovation, British Airways has announced a new partnership with *The Earthshot Prize*, a global environmental prize launched by Prince William in 2020. As a Global Alliance Member, British Airways will support the discovery and scaling of innovative climate solutions.
The airline hopes to explore collaborations with prize winners and work on transformative solutions ranging from alternative fuels to biodegradable packaging.
This partnership builds on the airline’s history of collaboration with Earthshot Prize recipients such as LanzaTech, a carbon recycling company, and Notpla, which specialises in biodegradable packaging.
Building a sustainable future
British Airways' carbon removal efforts are just one part of its larger sustainability strategy. Since 2019, the airline has been leading efforts in the aviation sector to tackle climate change, becoming the first airline group to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. Its 2030 focus includes cutting-edge investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), flying more fuel-efficient aircraft, and improving operational efficiency on the ground and in the air.
This year, British Airways made significant progress in reducing its environmental impact, with more than 90% of its ground vehicles at Heathrow now running on zero emissions, hybrids, or HVO fuel. Additionally, the airline continues to work with its partners on innovative SAF projects in the UK and USA, furthering its commitment to reducing emissions from aviation fuel.
As the airline’s carbon removals portfolio expands, it is clear that British Airways is taking a leadership role in the fight against climate change, not only by reducing its own emissions but by helping to scale up carbon removals for the entire industry.
