CAA launches move to ensure ‘trustworthy’ data on impact of flights

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a call for evidence on the environmental information consumers should expect to receive when researching and booking flights.

A consultation on a set of proposals will follow later this year as the CAA looks to ensure the provision of “trustworthy, accurate and relevant” information on the environmental impact of flights,

The call for evidence seeks views on what information should be provided and how.

The move follows consumer research on behalf of the CAA in 2021 which suggested consumers want more information on the environmental impact of flying and impact of their travel choices.

An increasing number of organisations already provide environmental information, such as the CO2 emissions from a flight, but there is no standard approach to emissions calculations or to how information is displayed, making comparisons difficult.

The CAA aims to standardise the approach and ensure provision of clear information at the point of booking to enable comparisons and allow consumers to make more informed choices about travel options.

The call for evidence will seek views from across the aviation and travel sectors as well as from consumer groups and environmental organisations.

The move forms part of the CAA’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which supports the government’s Jet Zero Strategy in its aim to deliver ‘net zero’ aviation by 2050.

Nic Stevenson, CAA head of strategy, said: “Better understanding the most-effective type, format and communication of environmental information will help us achieve the goal of supporting the government’s net zero aviation target.

“I encourage everyone to help inform the way passengers are provided access to accurate and relevant information about the environmental impact of their flights.

“That information plays a key role in regard to the choices consumers make, and providing trustworthy data enables more sustainable choices.”

The call for evidence runs until April 7 and will be followed by a consultation on proposals later this year.