Deutsche Lufthansa AG plans to introduce a surcharge of up to €72 ($77) per flight next year to cover the increasing costs of alternative fuels aimed at reducing aircraft emissions.
Starting January 1, the surcharges will be applied to all flights departing from the European Union, the UK, Norway, and Switzerland. The company announced on Tuesday that the surcharge will begin at €1 and vary depending on the specific route and fare class.
These new fees align with European Union regulations mandating that airlines use a minimum of 2% sustainable aviation fuels starting in 2025.
Lufthansa stated that it cannot absorb these costs independently. In 2022, competitor Air France-KLM implemented a surcharge of up to €24 on flights originating from France and the Netherlands.
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The airline industry aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a goal hinging on significantly expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), typically derived from plant or waste materials.
By 2030, the aviation group targets a 50% reduction in its net CO₂ emissions compared to 2019, achieved through a combination of reduction strategies and carbon offsetting measures.
Key initiatives include accelerating fleet modernization, optimizing flight operations, increasing the use of SAF, and offering options for private travellers and corporate clients to promote more sustainable air travel and freight transport.