Environmental policy

British Airways is a full-service global airline, flying customers to where they need to be for more than 100 years. As the UK’s flag carrier, we connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain, operating one of the most extensive international scheduled airline route networks together with our joint business, codeshare and franchise partners.

British Airways flies to more than 200 destinations in more than 74 countries, operating around 300 aircraft.

We launched BA Better World in September 2021, building on a long track record of attention to aviation sustainability. When we launched the BA Better World programme, it marked the beginning of a long-term vision to transform our airline. We said it was our most important journey yet and that remains true today.

Our BA Better World programme is focused on where we believe we can make the biggest impact for our business, our customers and for society – People, Planet and Responsible Business. As a hard to abate sector, we know we have more work to do but we remain committed to tackling the causes of our environmental and social impact.

The environmental objectives set out in our sustainability strategy are to:

• Reduce CO2 emissions with a goal to be carbon net zero by 2050 or sooner.
• Drive changes in operational efficiency to reduce our carbon intensity
• Increase the percentage that Sustainable Aviation Fuel* (SAF) accounts for within our total annual fuel consumption.
• Integrate circular economy principles into core operations to drive systemic waste reduction, prioritise reuse and recycling, and minimise reliance on incineration and landfill. This includes phasing out single-use plastics onboard and accelerating the transition to more sustainable material alternatives across our operation.
• Engage our people on sustainability including building  awareness  and competency among our colleagues of the impacts of aviation  on  the environment.
• Improve environmental compliance and performance by maintaining a certified Environmental Management System meeting IEnvA standards that covers Global Flight Operations, UK Corporate Facilities, Wildlife, Heathrow Ground Handling and Maintenance & Facilities.
• Meet our commitments to help to fight wildlife trafficking as a signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration; adopt a zero-tolerance  approach  to illegal wildlife trafficking within our operations; and meet the requirements of the IATA Illegal Wildlife Trafficking module.
• Monitor water usage across our UK offices and maintenance facilities, and develop plans to reduce consumption for priority sites where feasible.

In accordance with our business values, each business area is responsible for managing environmental risks, opportunities and compliance obligations related to activities, products and services for which they are accountable.

All colleagues have a responsibility to protect the environment and must adhere to our company policies and procedures and report environmental incidents.

We are also committed to:

• Complying with all applicable environmental laws, rules, regulations, and other compliance obligations.
• Preventing and minimising pollution, protecting natural resources and supporting biodiversity.
• Continually improving our environmental management system and overall environmental performance.

British Airways’ environmental performance is monitored and reported in the International Airlines Group Annual Report and Accounts and published in the annual BA Better World Report. Data is independently audited and verified by a third party.

*Sustainable Aviation Fuels’ (‘SAF’) are defined in the Refuel EU Aviation Regulation as aviation fuels that are either synthetic aviation fuels, aviation biofuels or recycled carbon aviation fuels. For further information, see our Planet page.

Sean Doyle

CEO and Chairman

Jan 2026