Manchester Airports Group launches tender for carbon offsets and removals

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has issued a public tender worth up to £1.3m seeking suppliers of carbon‑reduction and carbon‑removal credits. The initiative is part of MAG's strategy to offset 50% of its residual emissions with removals by 2030, requiring a mix of nature-based and tech-based solutions.

image: Sustainable Aviation Carbon Road-Map, detailing how aviation will achieve net zero carbon emissions commitment by 2050, reducing CO2 output from around 39m tonnes to zero while still growing UK aviation

The procurement is open to providers offering verified carbon‑offset and carbon‑removal credits. The tender notice cites the group’s 2025 sustainability strategy, which pledges 100% coverage by 2038 a target that combines direct emissions reductions with the strategic use of offsets and removals where unavoidable. Residual emissions is the term given to what remains after reasonable actions have been taken.

MAG says its offset strategy will work alongside investments in renewable energy, low‑carbon gas sourcing, and other decarbonisation measures.

The tender was published at the end of November with a submission deadline set for 20 December 2025. Contract start is tentatively scheduled for 1 March 2026.

The move signals growing confidence that carbon‑removal and offset markets can help aviation balance growth with climate commitments. However, as with all offset‑based strategies, the effectiveness will depend heavily on the quality, verification, and long‑term integrity of the credits purchased.