Operational efficiency initiatives
We’re working to reduce our emissions in the air and on the ground. It all starts with building an internal culture of engagement as sustainability is a journey that we’re all on together.
In September, we launched a new internal 2030 commitment to further reduce our emissions through operational efficiency. Our new climate challenge ideas hub taps into our colleagues’ expertise and we’ve already received more than 450 carbon reduction ideas which are being reviewed for their innovation and potential for scale.
Tap below to learn more about some of key emission reduction initiatives that are already in place.
Flight ops efficiency initiatives
We’re working to increase operational efficiency through several initiatives. These include reduced engine taxi, improved flight paths via live wind updates, the removal of airspace restrictions for our flights and a review of alternate destination airports.
Pilot sustainability training
More than 4,200 pilots, representing approximately 99% of our pilot population, have already completed their annual flight crew sustainability training programme. This focuses on reducing engine taxi in and out and the intelligent use of discretionary fuel. Our fuel efficiency dashboard also builds awareness and provides insights to help flight crew make more informed choices.
Tankering
On 1st January 2025, we adopted a zero-based approach to global economic tankering within our operations – beyond the mandated requirement set out by ReFuel EU. Tankering occurs when airlines uplift excess fuel in one airport to cover the full or partial return for economic benefit.
HVO vehicles at London Heathrow
We’re introducing more electric and hybrid vehicles into our operation, replacing diesel models. We’ve already switched more than 750 pieces of ground equipment from fossil fuel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Derived from renewable sources, HVO helps reduce lifecycle emissions by approximately 83% compared to traditional fossil fuels, based on British Airways operational data.
Mototoks
For short-haul aircraft, we’re replacing diesel tugs with remote-controlled pushback vehicles, called Mototoks. We’re also ensuring aircraft plug into renewable electricity at Heathrow when on stand, to help power the lights and air conditioning.
Aircraft Steps EV
We’ve replaced 21 aircraft steps with electric variants and new towable solar powered steps.
Engineering vehicles
Across our maintenance bases, we’re continuing the conversion of hangar vehicles and equipment to electric models, while using HVO fuel where possible.
Property energy management tracking system
Across our property portfolio, we continue to strengthen how we measure energy use. By implementing a data analysis and reporting tool, we’re enhancing visibility of performance and building the evidence base needed to identify, prioritise and deliver actions that reduce energy consumption.
Engineering ops
Our engineering teams are working to improve operational efficiency – from reducing fuel use through to better prioritisation of defects, to improving fuel efficiency on our aircraft.
Flight ops efficiency initiatives
We’re working to increase operational efficiency through several initiatives. These include reduced engine taxi, improved flight paths via live wind updates, the removal of airspace restrictions for our flights and a review of alternate destination airports.
Pilot sustainability training
More than 4,200 pilots, representing approximately 99% of our pilot population, have already completed their annual flight crew sustainability training programme. This focuses on reducing engine taxi in and out and the intelligent use of discretionary fuel. Our fuel efficiency dashboard also builds awareness and provides insights to help flight crew make more informed choices.
Tankering
On 1st January 2025, we adopted a zero-based approach to global economic tankering within our operations – beyond the mandated requirement set out by ReFuel EU. Tankering occurs when airlines uplift excess fuel in one airport to cover the full or partial return for economic benefit.
HVO vehicles at London Heathrow
We’re introducing more electric and hybrid vehicles into our operation, replacing diesel models. We’ve already switched more than 750 pieces of ground equipment from fossil fuel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). Derived from renewable sources, HVO helps reduce lifecycle emissions by approximately 83% compared to traditional fossil fuels, based on British Airways operational data.
Mototoks
For short-haul aircraft, we’re replacing diesel tugs with remote-controlled pushback vehicles, called Mototoks. We’re also ensuring aircraft plug into renewable electricity at Heathrow when on stand, to help power the lights and air conditioning.
Aircraft Steps EV
We’ve replaced 21 aircraft steps with electric variants and new towable solar powered steps.
Engineering vehicles
Across our maintenance bases, we’re continuing the conversion of hangar vehicles and equipment to electric models, while using HVO fuel where possible.
Property energy management tracking system
Across our property portfolio, we continue to strengthen how we measure energy use. By implementing a data analysis and reporting tool, we’re enhancing visibility of performance and building the evidence base needed to identify, prioritise and deliver actions that reduce energy consumption.
Engineering ops
Our engineering teams are working to improve operational efficiency – from reducing fuel use through to better prioritisation of defects, to improving fuel efficiency on our aircraft.