IATA launches IATA CO2 Connect

AMMAN — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched IATA CO2 Connect, an online tool which provides ‘the most accurate CO2 emission calculations for any given commercial passenger flight’, according to an IATA statement.

IATA CO2 Connect responds to the growing demand for CO2 data transparency, linked to airline specific and actual fuel burn information and load factors. This sets it apart from theoretical data models that already exist on the market today, according to the statement.

IATA CO2 Connect is available to companies within and outside the travel value chain, such as travel management companies (TMCs), travel agencies, airlines or multinational corporations. They can access CO2 emissions data and integrate it in a customised manner into their existing flight booking tools. Travel managers or travellers can easily see the CO2 emissions per routing. The tool also permits the consolidation of data for reporting purposes. 

IATA CO2 Connect utilises newly developed CO2 calculation methodology, adopted by IATA’s Passenger Service Conference in March this year. 

This was conceived by leading partners from 20 airlines and major aircraft manufacturers, in consultation with international standard-setting bodies and logistics services providers. 

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), the world’s leading B2B travel platform, is IATA’s launch partner for CO2 Connect. The TMC, which manages more than $40 billion in travel sales annually, undertakes to provide its customers with the most accurate and reliable flight emissions data, enabling travellers to make better-informed booking decisions.

“Flying sustainably and cutting CO2 emissions is a top priority. The aviation sector is working to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and travellers want to be more aware of their carbon footprint. With IATA CO2 Connect, individuals and corporate travel managers can get ‘standardised accurate calculations’ to make the most sustainable choices for their air travel taking into consideration aircraft types, routings and class of service. Importantly, data can be consolidated for corporate reporting purposes,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s senior vice president for commercial products & services.