IATA announces industry first passenger CO2 calculation methodology

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the launch of the ‘IATA Recommended Practice Per-Passenger CO2 Calculation Methodology’. IATA’s Methodology, using verified airline operational data, provides the most accurate calculation methodology for the industry to quantify CO₂ emissions per passenger for a specific flight. 

As travellers, corporate travel managers, and travel agents are increasingly demanding precise flight CO₂ emission information, an accurate and standardised calculation methodology is critical. This is particularly true in the corporate sector where such calculations are needed to underpin voluntary emissions reductions targets.

“Airlines have worked together through IATA to develop an accurate and transparent methodology using verified airline operational data. This provides the most accurate CO₂ calculation for organizations and individuals to make informed choices about flying sustainably. This includes decisions on investing in voluntary carbon offsetting or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

IATA’s Methodology takes into account the following factors:

• Guidance on fuel measurement, aligned with the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)
• Clearly defined scope to calculate CO₂ emissions in relation to airlines’ flying activities  
• Guidance on non-CO₂ related emissions and Radiative Forcing Index (RFI)
• Weight based calculation principle: allocation of CO₂ emission by passenger and belly cargo
• Guidance on passenger weight, using actual, and standard weight
• Emissions Factor for conversion of jet fuel consumption to CO₂, fully aligned with CORSIA
• Cabin class weighting and multipliers to reflect different cabin configurations of airlines
• Guidance on SAF and carbon offsets as part of the CO₂ calculation.

Walsh added: “The plethora of carbon calculation methodologies with varying results creates confusion and dents consumer confidence. Aviation is committed to achieving net zero by 2050. By creating an accepted industry standard for calculating aviation’s carbon emissions, we are putting in place essential support to achieve this goal. The IATA Passenger CO₂ Calculation Methodology is the most authoritative tool and it is ready for airlines, travel agents, and passengers to adopt.”