Finnair Sets an Ambitious New Path to Sustainability with a 34.5% Reduction Target for Emissions Intensity by 2033, Driving a 13% Absolute CO2e Cut

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Finnair sets an ambitious science-backed target to cut emissions intensity by 34.5% by 2033, driving bold progress in sustainable aviation with SBTi validation.

Finnair has redefined its climate strategy with a newly established science-based target to reduce its carbon emissions intensity (CO2e/RTK) by 34.5% by 2033, using 2023 as a baseline year. This ambitious goal, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), translates to an estimated 13% reduction in absolute CO2e emissions, calculated based on current forecast parameters.

SBTi mandates that airlines focus on decarbonizing their own operations, and Finnair aims to achieve this through a multi-faceted approach: advancing its investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) beyond regulatory requirements, enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing its route network, and progressing its fleet renewal plans. Over half of Finnair’s targeted CO2e reduction is expected to come from increasing SAF usage.

Alongside this new mid-term target, Finnair has revisited its long-term climate objective, adjusting its ambition to align with the industry-wide commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, moving from an initial 2045 carbon neutrality target set in 2019. This update reflects shifts since the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical developments, like the closure of Russian airspace, which previously allowed for shorter, more fuel-efficient routes between Europe and Asia. Finnair’s current approach focuses less on offsets, emphasizing direct reductions in operational emissions through science-based methods.

Details on Finnair’s SBTi Target
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) independently validates companies’ climate goals to ensure alignment with the latest scientific standards, helping to meet the Paris Agreement’s aim of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Under SBTi, Finnair is committed to reducing its carbon emissions intensity (CO2e/RTK) by 34.5% by 2033, with 2023 as the benchmark. This target indicates an approximate 13% reduction in absolute emissions, factoring in projected variables such as expected growth rates.

Carbon emissions intensity measures CO2 emissions per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK), which includes the total passenger and cargo payload Finnair carries. As of 2023, Finnair’s carbon emissions intensity stood at 976 CO2e/RTK. This target covers ‘well-to-wake’ emissions, including direct emissions from fuel use (scope 1) and indirect emissions from the extraction, production, and distribution of that fuel (scope 3).

Finnair will transparently monitor and its progress annually in its sustainability , offering insights into its strides toward these climate targets.Finnair has redefined its climate strategy with a newly established science-based target to reduce its carbon emissions intensity (CO2e/RTK) by 34.5% by 2033, using 2023 as a baseline year. This ambitious goal, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), translates to an estimated 13% reduction in absolute CO2e emissions, calculated based on current forecast parameters.

SBTi mandates that airlines focus on decarbonizing their own operations, and Finnair aims to achieve this through a multi-faceted approach: advancing its investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) beyond regulatory requirements, enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing its route network, and progressing its fleet renewal plans. Over half of Finnair’s targeted CO2e reduction is expected to come from increasing SAF usage.

Alongside this new mid-term target, Finnair has revisited its long-term climate objective, adjusting its ambition to align with the industry-wide commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, moving from an initial 2045 carbon neutrality target set in 2019. This update reflects shifts since the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical developments, like the closure of Russian airspace, which previously allowed for shorter, more fuel-efficient routes between Europe and Asia. Finnair’s current approach focuses less on offsets, emphasizing direct reductions in operational emissions through science-based methods.

Details on Finnair’s SBTi Target
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) independently validates companies’ climate goals to ensure alignment with the latest scientific standards, helping to meet the Paris Agreement’s aim of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Under SBTi, Finnair is committed to reducing its carbon emissions intensity (CO2e/RTK) by 34.5% by 2033, with 2023 as the benchmark. This target indicates an approximate 13% reduction in absolute emissions, factoring in projected variables such as expected growth rates.

Carbon emissions intensity measures CO2 emissions per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK), which includes the total passenger and cargo payload Finnair carries. As of 2023, Finnair’s carbon emissions intensity stood at 976 CO2e/RTK. This target covers ‘well-to-wake’ emissions, including direct emissions from fuel use (scope 1) and indirect emissions from the extraction, production, and distribution of that fuel (scope 3).

Finnair will transparently monitor and its progress annually in its sustainability , offering insights into its strides toward these climate targets.