The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on streamlining the management of environmental data.
According to the two organisations, the agreement sets out to ‘explore synergies’ between the European Union Flight Emissions Label and IATA’s existing environmental data management ecosystem – IATA’s EcoHub and the IATA CO2 Connect calculator; and make CO2 emissions data consistent and readily available for passengers to see when they book their flights.
The Flight Emissions Label – which arises from a 2024 EU regulation and is the responsibility of EASA – is a framework for airlines to share flight emissions data with passengers. IATA’s EcoHub allows airline sustainability data management, reporting, and compliance. IATA CO2 Connect also collects airline operational data and calculates the CO2 performance of the flights – which is similar to the data required for a Flight Emissions Label to be issued.
The MoU paves the way for EASA and IATA to explore participation in the Flight Emissions Label by ‘aligning processes for label issuance use cases for airlines in a cost-effective way’.
Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, said: ‘This partnership with IATA, the world’s largest airlines’ association, will make it easier for airlines to join the Flight Emissions Label. The more airlines we have on board, the better the overall information for air passengers, allowing them to make informed choices when they book their flights.’
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, said: ‘Providing accurate emissions data is crucial for informed decision-making and for maintaining confidence in the sustainability of air transport. IATA’s EcoHub and our access to extensive sustainability data will give airlines an easier way to be part of the Flight Emissions Label, and confidence that the very best data will be utilised.’