Finnair aims to achieve carbon neutrality latest by 2045, reducing its net emissions by 50 per cent by the end of 2025 from the 2019 baseline and exceeding the industry’s common targets.

The airline says its sustainability strategy is the most ambitious in the aviation industry. Finnair’s actions to achieve its targets include investing 3.5-4 billion euros in its fleet during 2020–2025 and investing 60 million euros in sustainability during the same time period.

With a target to cut down fuel consumption by 15,000 tonnes per year, the airline will also be reducing onboard weight for every flight. This includes ending inflight travel retail sales within the EU from 29 April, focusing on pre-order travel retail, and reducing food waste by 50 per cent in catering operations by the end of 2022.

Finnair will also be introducing more vegetarian meal options for customers during 2020 and reducing single-use plastics by 50 per cent by 2022.

New partnership with Neste

The airline has also announced a new partnership with Neste, the world’s largest producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from renewable waste and residues. This partnership will considerably increase Finnair’s use of sustainable aviation fuel. The carrier expects to spend up to 10 million euros annually on SAF by the end of 2025.

The partnership will also boost the production of SAF in Finland, an important step in making it more widely used and affordable. New ticket types will be introduced by the carrier that will allow customers to support SAF purchases or offsetting initiatives. Finnair says it will match every customer’s contribution with SAF purchases.

Topi Manner, Finnair’s CEO said: “Aviation is a fast-paced industry subject to many changes, and everything impacts it. Maintaining a long-term perspective at all times, in all market situations is key. The plans we announced today prepare us for the next 100 years of Finnair’s future.”

Find out more at company.finnair.com/en/sustainability.