ANA Holdings Inc. (ANA) announced that its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO2) has now been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an international organization that promotes and supports corporations to establish science-based targets for reducing greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions.

In a statement, ANA said it is the first airline in Asia to receive such approval, and ANA will continue to strengthen its ESG management toward its goal of reaching net zero by 2050.

ANA Group’s Science-Based Targets (SBT)

ANA Group has established targets to reduce carbon intensity by 29% in 2030, compared to the 2019 levels.

In addition, ANA Group will raise its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions from electricity and fuel used in our facilities and airport vehicles by 27.5% in 2030, compared to the 2019 levels.

The targets covering greenhouse gas emissions from the ANA Group’s operations are consistent with reductions required to keep warming to well-below 2°C.

ANA said these targets are for reducing both the direct emissions from aviation fuel used in flights and the indirect emissions caused by the fuel production process.

The ANA Group noted that it will focus its efforts on ESG management strategies, with the SBT serving as a roadmap to provide guidance toward the successful achievement of the net zero emission target by 2050.

Activities related to air transportation are centred on operational improvements, technological innovation in aircraft and other equipment (introduction of fuel-efficient aircraft), usage of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and other measures to reduce carbon emissions.

In addition, the reduction of CO2 emissions from fuel and electricity consumption other than air transportation is also an important issue for mitigating the effects of global warming.

ANA said it is planning to convert airport vehicles to EVs (electric)/FCVs (fuel-cell) and to use renewable energy in facilities and offices.

"With COP26 bringing global recognition of the need to address climate change, the transition to a decarbonized society is progressing and accelerating globally. The latest technology and science also make it clear that companies need to do more and faster to avoid the worst effects of climate change while ensuring a sustainable society that will thrive well into the future," ANA said in its announcement.

It added that it has been participating in projects involved from the rule-making stage to develop a target and guidance on CO2 emission reductions in the aviation sector.

The guidance for the aviation sector was developed in August 2022, and the ANA Group has now set a target for greenhouse gas (CO2) emission reduction and obtained verification.

"ANA Group’s SBT is an ambitious goal, as air transportation accounts for approximately 99% of CO2 emissions in our operations. At the same time, while efforts to reduce emissions remain a challenge faced by all airlines, it is also necessary for the industry as a whole to focus on strategies to reduce emissions and come together upon a shared goal," ANA said.

By setting SBT, ANA noted that it hopes to secure its position as the leading airline group in the environmental field, as we continue to unite our group in our efforts to fulfil our responsibility toward a sustainable future.