EASA, IATA partner to streamline flight emissions data for passengers

November 21, 2025 in Companies, Transport, Travel & Tourism by Editor

EASA and IATA have entered a new partnership to align the EU’s Flight Emissions Label with IATA’s global sustainability data tools, aiming to give passengers clearer, more consistent CO₂ information when booking flights while reducing administrative burdens for airlines.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at harmonising global air travel emissions calculations and improving the transparency of flight-related carbon data available to passengers.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed during IATA’s Wings of Change Europe conference held in Brussels from 18–19 November 2025, marks a key step toward aligning the European Union’s Flight Emissions Label with IATA’s sustainability data systems—EcoHub and the CO2 Connect emissions calculator.

At the heart of the collaboration is a shared goal: to ensure passengers can compare emissions data easily and reliably at the time of booking, regardless of the airline or platform used. The Flight Emissions Label, introduced by the European Union in 2024, provides airlines with a unified framework to present credible, standardised emissions information to customers.

IATA’s EcoHub and its CO2 Connect tool already aggregate detailed operational data from more than 90 airlines worldwide, offering emissions calculations for both passenger and cargo flights. By aligning with the EU label’s methodology and reporting requirements, the two organisations hope to reduce duplication and help more airlines participate in the system efficiently.

EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet said the partnership lowers barriers for airlines looking to adopt the label: “The more airlines we have on board, the better the overall information for air passengers, allowing them to make informed choices when they book their flights.”

IATA Director General Willie Walsh emphasised the importance of data quality as regulatory and consumer scrutiny increases: “Providing accurate emissions data is crucial for informed decision-making and for maintaining confidence in the sustainability of air transport. Our collaboration with EASA will focus on enabling an efficient and harmonized exchange of data, reducing administrative burdens, and achieving long-term cost savings for all stakeholders.”

The Flight Emissions Label is a central pillar of Regulation (EU) 2023/2405—also known as ReFuelEU Aviation—which aims to strengthen accountability across the industry by establishing a harmonised emissions calculation methodology for all airlines operating within the EU. Participation in the label is voluntary, but only airlines that join are permitted to display emissions information to passengers within the European Union. Many airlines already see value in doing so, particularly as they market sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other emissions reduction options.

The system is fully digital, a feature intended to lighten administrative workloads for airlines while ensuring that data used in emissions displays is consistent, verifiable and based on real operational parameters.

IATA’s CO2 Connect continues to expand its global footprint, with Kenya Airways among the latest carriers to join the platform—an indication of growing interest in unified emissions reporting across Africa and beyond.

By bringing together the EU’s regulatory framework and IATA’s deep data resources, the new partnership aims to create a more transparent and passenger-focused approach to emissions disclosure—while positioning airlines to meet the rising expectations of both regulators and climate-conscious travellers.