Thursday, July 18, 2024 Google , a key partner in the Prince Harry-founded Travalyst coalition, has been instrumental in developing models to measure airline emissions. Their Travel Impact Model, launched in 2022 with the International Council on Clean Transportation, helps Travalyst partners like Booking.com, Expedia, and Skyscanner publish flight emissions estimates.
Major travel platforms such as Google Flights, Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, and Trip.com Group also utilize this model to inform travelers about the environmental impact of their flights . Recently, Cirium, an aviation analytics company, introduced the Emerald Sky methodology, which measures emissions and fuel burn down to the seat level.
This innovation is geared towards business travel firms, airlines, and aircraft financing companies. While Cirium and Travalyst are fundamentally different organizations, they are seen as complementary. Discussions between Cirium and the International Council on Clean Transportation, which heads Google’s Travel Impact Model advisory committee, are underway to explore collaboration opportunities.
The Travel Impact Model enables travelers using platforms like Google Flights to assess the emissions impact of their choices. For example, a JetBlue flight from Heathrow to JFK might show emissions 13% higher than average, whereas a Lufthansa Airlines / Condor Airlines flight could be 9% lower. “Clear and credible sustainability information is essential for informed decision-making.