Twenty-one European airlines have committed to stop making claims in relation to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions deemed misleading, the European Commission said on Friday. The airlines include some of the largest in Europe, such as Lufthansa (parent company of Brussels Airlines), Ryanair, KLM, and Air France.

In May, the Belgian Federal Public Service Economy’s economic inspectorate, along with 16 regulators from other countries, warned airlines about misleading environmental claims. Such claims must be “truthful, clear, and accurate,” according to an open letter to the airlines.

Transparent information

The airlines have pledged to clarify that the emissions from a flight cannot be neutralized or reduced by contributions to climate projects, and to provide clearer information on environmental claims and the use of sustainable aviation fuels.

The businesses have also agreed to display CO2 emissions calculations transparently and to provide scientific evidence to support environmental claims.

Aviation accounts for 3% of global CO2 emissions

KLM lost a ‘greenwashing’ lawsuit in March 2024, with an Amsterdam court ruling that the company had misled consumers with “vague and general” advertisements about the sustainability of its flights. A year later, a German court banned Lufthansa from making “misleading” advertising about CO2 emissions offsetting.

Air transport accounts for 3% of global CO2 emissions, but its contribution to warming is greater, as aircraft emit other greenhouse gases and form contrails.