daa Inspires Airlines: Reduce CO₂ with New Measures
daa has proposed new sustainability measures to encourage airlines to use lower-CO2 aircraft at Dublin Airport.
The proposed incentive scheme includes offering a low emissions discount on aeronautical charges, making Dublin Airport the European capital city airport with the lowest charges. Additionally, airlines operating high emission aircraft will face higher charges.
Consultations with airlines will begin soon regarding the next phase of daa's environmental charging strategy. The plan aims to introduce discounts to incentivise the use of newer, quieter, and cleaner aircraft at Dublin Airport. A 25% discount on runway charges will be available to airlines operating environmentally friendly aircraft throughout the day. These discounts, expected to be worth millions of euros, will promote sustainable airport operations and are scheduled to be implemented within the next six months.
daa has already implemented the initial phase of its environmental charging strategy, which involves higher charges for noisy nighttime operations. The airport operator remains committed to introducing environmental charges and expects airlines to receive discounts of over €30 million this year. Carriers based at Dublin Airport, such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus, will benefit the most from these incentives.
Dublin Airport has achieved carbon neutral status for emissions under its direct control, emphasising its dedication to sustainability. In line with this vision, daa is introducing groundbreaking incentives to encourage airlines to use aircraft with lower CO2 emissions, recognising the challenges faced by the aviation and travel industry. All stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem are committed to collaborating to meet global climate change and sustainability goals.
As an airport operator, daa imposes airport charges to fund regulated activities and provide passengers with safe and high-quality service. The pricing structure is set for a four-year period following consultations with airlines and oversight from the independent economic regulator IAA (formerly CAR). The new incentives will be part of a multi-year scheme.
Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, stated the organisation's commitment to environmental sustainability and emphasised the target of reducing emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In 2022, daa reduced carbon emissions by 24% at Dublin Airport and 38% at Cork Airport compared to a 2018 baseline average. Achievements were made through energy management processes, LED upgrades, fleet replacement programs, and participation in sustainability campaigns.
In 2023, daa plans to continue strengthening its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) program and credentials. This includes implementing a new reporting standard and developing an updated ESG action plan for the business to be implemented from 2024 onwards.
Kenny Jacobs expressed daa's ambition to grow Dublin Airport sustainably and provide a high-quality service. Following the North Runway development, daa aims to progress its €1.9 billion capital investment programme, which includes sustainability projects, a refurbished terminal, new piers, gates, stands, and transfer facilities, ensuring an excellent experience for future generations of air travellers in and out of Ireland.
Source: daa
