Aer Lingus has been working with regulators within its country to cut down emissions. The Irish carrier is committed to reaching net-zero emissions within twenty years. Therefore, it collaborated with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to start putting the work in to achieve this.

Fuel-saving changes

In 2018, the carrier worked with the IAA to reduce the amount of time landing lights were extended. This has helped save tonnes of fuel a year on operations.

"As part of Aer Lingus’ approach to reducing carbon emissions, the airline is working on a range of initiatives," Aer Lingus confirmed to Simple Flying.

"Aer Lingus worked with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) in 2018 to reduce the amount of time landing lights were extended in both climb and descent. Following a successful change to IAA regulations, Aer Lingus’ A320 fleet now saves an additional 620 tonnes of fuel per year due to this initiative."

Aer Lingus A321XLR
Aer Lingus will receive six A321XLR aircraft. Photo: Airbus

Plans already in motion

The company will be working hard to make sure that it meets its 2050 goal of achieving net-zero emissions. According to an Irish government paper on emissions, in 2018, 53 percent of the electricity used by Aer Lingus was already from renewable sources. By continuing to consult on further initiatives, it could be well on track to reach its target.

Aer Lingus had already put the carbon reduction vision in motion long ago. In 2012, it started using fuel efficiently software called Honeywell GoDirect. This tool supports reductions in fuel use and carbon emissions.

Furthermore, the carrier is committed to maintaining a modern fleet. Newer aircraft such as the A321neos hold a new generation engine type and sharklets which will reduce fuel consumption by 15 percent when compared with existing generation planes. Additionally, Aer Lingus fitted 31 of their 37 A320/21 aircraft with airflow deflectors. These assist in preventing the production of a whistling sound during a phase of descent.

Aer Lingus aircraft over coastline
The carrier hopes that its newer fleet will help with its fuel-efficiency goals. Photo: Aer Lingus

Company-wide targets

Ultimately, these initiatives form part of its parent company's environmental mission. The International Airlines Group (IAG) has set climate targets, which consist of four models. These include fleet and operations, sustainable aviation fuels, disruptive innovation, and carbon offsets.

Climate change is a hot topic right now when it comes to aviation. More than ever, there is pressure on carriers to review their carbon emissions.

Movements such as flight shaming have garnered a lot of publicity across the globe. Some airlines are only recently reviewing their output but it looks like Aer Lingus had already been somewhat conscious of its presence in previous years.

Simple Flying reached out to Aer Lingus for further comment on their goals. We will update the article with any further announcements.

What do you think of Aer Lingus' goal of reaching net-zero by 2050? Let us know your thoughts about their initiatives in the comment section.