easyJet PLC has updated its sustainability plans, aiming to slash carbon emissions by 35% by 2035, with a shift away from offsetting.
The airline said its target has been validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), "making easyJet the first low-cost carrier worldwide to have announced this".
UK budget airline insisted it will prioritise new technology, with the aim of reaching net-zero emission flying across all fleets in the long term.
The carrier will aim to reduce carbon emission intensity by 78% by 2050 with residual emissions addressed through carbon removals.
It insisted investments “will transition away from offsetting to focus on driving in-sector emission reductions”.
easyJet’s initiatives include more sustainable fuel and becoming an early adopter of zero carbon “when the technology is available and commercially viable”.
The company said over 20 years, since around 2000, it has already cut carbon emissions per passenger per kilometre by one-third, which shows a significant acceleration in its decarbonisation.
Johan Lundgren, chief executive, commented: “Challenging the status quo is in easyJet’s DNA – from making flying affordable for everyone, to leading the sector on decarbonisation.
“And I’m really pleased that our partner Rolls Royce (LON:RR) has also confirmed today it is making final preparations for the first hydrogen engine tests to take place.
“We will be implementing our roadmap step by step in the years to come, helping to ensure more sustainable travel is accessible to all for the benefit of the next generation and our planet.”
easyJet passenger numbers surged to 8.1mln in July from 3.7mln in the same month last year and to 8.3mln in August from 5.1mln.
Its shares fell 1.8% to 301p in early morning trading.