HELSINKI, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The Finnish national carrier Finnair on Thursday pledged at a press conference to become carbon neutral at the latest by 2045.
As an earlier target Finnair will reduce its net carbon emissions by the end of 2025 to a half of the the level of 2019. Carbon neutrality in non-flight operations is to be reached in 2022.
In its carbon neutrality program, Finnair tries to reduce its emissions to the extent possible and compensate the remainder.
Anne Larilahti, head of sustainability at Finnair, told the press conference that the 2045 aim is in line with the program of the current Finnish government. The state of Finland is the majority owner of the airline.
A key part of the plan is the 3.5-4 billion-euro investment in new aircraft replacing the aging AB 320 fleet. It is reducing emissions on European routes 10-15 percent. 60 million will be spent on this action between 2020-2025, according to the press conference.
Finnair CEO Topi Manner, said at the press conference that in the Annual Assembly this spring the corporate by-laws will be amended to ensure the position of sustainability. With the change, Finnair will be authorized to participate in actions that "increase positive impact on society and environment, and reduces the negative".
Finnair also announced that in late 2020 it will begin issuing tickets with carbon compensation option to customers. For clients in its corporate program Finnair would compensate the emissions of their flights.
Besides, Finnair has entered co-operation on biofuel with the Finnish oil refiner Neste. Manner said that the development of "a healthy market of airline biofuels" requires commitment from front runners. He hoped that the co-operation between Finnair and Neste will show the way to other actors. Enditem
