Sustainability top of agenda as CAA visits aerospace industry in Manchester

Regulator visits Jet2.com's Northern base

Jet2.com has demonstrated its efforts in improved sustainability at its Manchester base.

Meeting with the UK’s third largest airline, Rob Bishton, chief executive officer at the UK Civil Aviation Authority met senior leaders alongside the regulator’s newly appointed group director for consumers and markets, Selina Chadha.

During the visit, Jet2.com demonstrated some of its sustainability initiatives, including work to reduce its airside carbon footprint, through the introduction of all-electric crew buses and ground handling equipment, with over 50% of Jet2.com’s owned ground handling equipment in the UK now converted to an electric fuel supply.

Seeing the new equipment and sustainability advancements, Bishton appreciated not only the environmental impact, but also how changes are "enhancing" the passenger experience.

The visit comes as the regulator prepares to consult with industry on enhancing both its environmental reporting capabilities and performance through its Aviation Environmental Review, as well as publish findings and next steps on its Consumer Environmental Information consultation.

Rob Bishton, chief executive officer of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Our mission is to protect people and enable aerospace so it’s important as the regulator to see first-hand the proactive steps the industry is taking to improve sustainability within the aviation sector.

“We recognise the need for transparency across industry on its sustainability efforts, which is why we’re working to ensure that passengers receive accurate and accessible environmental information, as well as consulting on enhancing industry’s reporting capabilities.

“Working together we can drive meaningful change towards a more sustainable future for aviation.”

Commenting on the visit by the Civil Aviation Authority, 

Steve Heapy, chief executive officer of Jet2.com, said: “We are proud of the work that we have done, and continue to do, to address our climate impact. 

"This includes investing in new and more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as our order of 146 Airbus A321 NEO aircraft, which are over 20% more fuel efficient than older aircraft. We have also invested in a Sustainable Aviation Fuel production plant here in the UK. 

"Additionally, we have also replaced millions of single use plastics from onboard our aircraft and met our carbon intensity reduction targets to date.”

The visit forms part of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s ongoing engagement with industry to understand the range of perspectives from the multiple areas it regulates and to help inform decision-making for the benefit of industry, consumers, and the public.