Finnair has announced a new climate commitment to cut its carbon emissions intensity by 34.5 pc by 2033, compared to 2023 levels.

In a press statement, the flag carrier of Finland says that its target, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), translates to a reduction of approximately 13 pc in absolute CO2 emissions, guided by projections over the next decade.

To achieve this goal, Finnair says it plans to invest in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) beyond regulatory requirements, optimise operations and its network and eventually update its fleet.

Turkka Kuusisto

“Progress towards achieving the target will not be linear, as there are still challenges regarding the availability and affordability of SAF, the most important tool in our toolkit over the next ten years. We need to see rapid progress in the SAF market to support the decarbonisation initiatives in aviation industry. The Finnair team is committed to doing our part to address the challenges involved, and we will work with dedication and determination towards our new science-based target,” says Turkka Kuusisto, CEO, Finnair.

Finnair says it has also revised its long-term climate goals, aligning with the global aviation industry’s target of achieving NetZero emissions by 2050, set forth by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Finnair’s previous goal of carbon neutrality by 2045 relied more on offsets, but the new net-zero strategy emphasises cutting emissions directly from operations, with a reduced reliance on carbon offsets.

Under the SBTi framework, Finnair will measure and report emissions reductions annually.

The airline’s focus includes ‘well-to-wake’ emissions, covering the complete lifecycle of jet fuel, encompassing both direct in-flight emissions and indirect emissions from fuel production.

“Right now, our focus is on the next ten years and achieving our science-based target of reducing our CO2e emissions intensity by 34.5 pc by 2033. At the same time, we continue to support the common goal of the industry to achieve NetZero carbon emissions by 2050 as outlined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA),” Kuusisto says.

By adopting science-based targets, Finnair aims to support global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C, aligning with the Paris Agreement goals.
With these commitments, Finnair joins other airlines in prioritising sustainable travel solutions and enhancing climate responsibility.