Vueling reveals its cut passenger emissions by 9.5% in sustainability report

In 2023, the company cut CO2 emissions per passenger by 9.5% compared to 2019

Spanish low-cost carreir Vueling, an IAG company, has presented its first report on environmental performance, social action and governance for 2023. 

The report highlighted several areas of improvement on Vueling’s commitment to more sustainable aviation. 

IAG was the first aviation group to commit to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, and as Vueling is part of the group, in 2023 it successfully reduced CO2 emissions by 9.5% per passenger/km compared to 2019, bringing it closer to the decarbonisation targets set by the IAG Group.

It supplied 1,285 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is four times the volumes recorded in 2022. 

The company continues to work to promote the use of sustainable fuel oil, as current production is less than 0.5% of global demand.

The report showed that the airline has contributed to the creation of 167,736 jobs and has contributed 10,741 million euros to the GDP of the main markets where it operates (Spain, France, Italy and the UK). 

It evidenced that female talent and increasing diversity and inclusion was front of mind for the carrier as last year Vueling’s management committee was 57% female, while it acheived 44% in in management positions of highest responsibility.

This saw the airline reach total gender parity in its workforce as a whole.

Vueling reduced the waste generated on board its aircrafts by 59% compared to 2019, mainly thanks to the waste management initiatives activated on its flights.

In its social impact, Vueling’s progress in promoting diversity and inclusion stands out; the empowerment of women and gender equality are key elements in the organization's culture.

Vueling also collaborates regularly with NGOs and foundations committed to humanitarian causes, facilitating the movement of people and material for charitable initiatives, as well as with organisations that contribute to developing and improving the quality of life of children in vulnerable situations. Milestones and actions include: 

It has a collaboration with the Transport Organisation (ONT) where it supported transporting 156 organs in 2023, totalling more than 900 in the last decade. 

Vueling is now the leading airline in organ transport in Spain.

When natural distasters occur such as the earthquakes Turkey and Syria, it transports troops and material resources to places that have suffered.

"Our mission is to connect people and places and we work to develop solutions that allow us to do so in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way," said Sandra Hors, Chief Communication, Sustainability and Public Affairs Officer.

"We are proud of the progress we made in 2023, especially in reducing emissions and our commitment to sustainable aviation fuels.

"We continue to work to achieve our goals both in the short and long term, aiming to have a positive impact on the world for new generations and moving towards a society with greater opportunities."