EASA and IATA collaborate to improve transparency of flight emissions data
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore ways to streamline the calculation and reporting of CO2 emissions from air travel. The collaboration aims to make emissions data more consistent and visible to passengers at the time of booking.
The agreement seeks to align EASA’s Flight Emissions Label (FEL) — launched under EU regulation in 2024 — with IATA’s existing sustainability tools, including EcoHub, a comprehensive airline data management system, and IATA CO2 Connect, a carbon calculator based on operational airline data. By coordinating these systems, both organisations hope to reduce administrative burdens for airlines while maintaining high standards of data accuracy.
The Flight Emissions Label, adopted under Regulation (EU) 2023/2405, allows airlines to voluntarily provide flight emissions information to passengers. Only airlines participating in the FEL can display emissions data to passengers within the European Union. The label is intended to increase transparency, improve accountability, and support the use of sustainable aviation fuels or emissions offsetting programs. Airlines across EU and non-EU countries are eligible to participate.
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, added, “Regulatory compliance and customer demands for transparent emissions information must be met with the highest standards. 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. Our collaboration with EASA will focus on enabling an efficient and harmonized exchange of data, reducing administrative burdens, and achieving long-term cost savings for all stakeholders.”