• Upgrading the easyJet Fleet:

    easyJet is investing in 290 new Airbus A320neo aircraft, delivering up to 2034. These planes are at least 13% more fuel-efficient than previous models.

  • Cutting the Noise:

    The new aircraft are also quieter. NEOs ("New Engine Option") reduce the noise footprint by 50% compared to the planes they replace.

  • New Aviation Technologies:

    easyJet has formed R&D partnerships with Rolls-Royce and Airbus to develop zero-carbon hydrogen technology and Direct Air Carbon Capture.

Lowering easyet’s impact

For the last 30 years, easyJet’s mission has been to democratise travel by making it affordable. As the airline enters its fourth decade, the mission has evolved: ensuring that flying remains accessible while aspiring to continuously lower the impact of their operations.

While easyJet won’t fully decarbonise for many decades, a lot of change is already underway with the airline on track to achieving their target to reduce GHG emissions intensity by 35% by 2035.

The Evolution of easyJet’s Aircraft Efficiency

The most immediate lever an airline can pull to reduce emissions is upgrading its fleet. easyJet is currently swapping older aircraft for the modern Airbus A320neo ("New Engine Option").

The table below illustrates the tangible environmental improvements of this fleet renewal program.

Feature

Legacy Generation Aircraft

New Airbus A320neo

Improvement / Impact

Fuel Efficiency

Standard Benchmark

High Efficiency

🟢 At least a 13% reduction in fuel per seat

Noise Footprint

Standard Benchmark

Whisper Quiet

🟢 50% reduction in noise footprint

Carbon Emissions

Higher CO2/km

Lower CO2/km

🟢 Significant reduction per passenger km

Fleet Status

Being Phased Out

Delivering to 2034

290 new aircraft on order

> Key Stat: The new NEO aircraft deliver at least 13% fuel efficiency improvement, making them the cornerstone of the airline's immediate decarbonisation strategy.

Innovating Beyond the Jet Engine

While the NEO fleet addresses the immediate term, easyJet is looking to radical innovation for the long term.

  1. Future propulsion technologies:

    The airline is not just waiting for technology to arrive; it is helping build it. easyJet has partnered with Rolls-Royce to research and develop hydrogen combustion engine technology, which produces zero carbon emissions in flight. In addition, easyJet were one of the first partners of Airbus’ ZEROe programme and are working with JetZero, a US-based company developing a blended-wing bodied aircraft expected to be up to 50% more fuel efficient than conventional tube-and-wing airframes

  2. Direct Air Carbon Capture & Storage (DACCS):

    The airline has invested in DACCS technology, which will physically remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it underground – a key technology which will help address any residual emissions not able to be eliminated through other solutions

  3. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):

    Integrated into the Net Zero Roadmap, SAF is one of the many solutions needed to decarbonise the industry

Advancing UK Sustainable Aviation R&D

This transition to sustainability is also a driver of UK industry.

The Airbus A320 family aircraft, which form the backbone of the easyJet fleet, are deeply British. The wings for these aircraft—including the aerodynamic "Sharklets" that save fuel—are designed in Filton (Bristol) and manufactured in Broughton (Wales).

By ordering 290 new aircraft for delivery through 2034, easyJet is securing high-skilled green engineering jobs in the UK for the next decade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is an Airbus "NEO" and why does it matter?

A: NEO stands for "New Engine Option." It is a modernised version of the Airbus A320 that uses advanced engines and aerodynamic improvements (like wingtip devices), enhancing the aircraft’s efficiency. This directly lowers carbon emissions and operating costs.

Q: Is hydrogen flying a reality?

A: It is currently in the Research & Development phase. easyJet has partnered with engineering giants Rolls-Royce to accelerate the development of hydrogen combustion technology

Q: Does easyJet use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

A: Yes, investment in SAF is a core component of easyJet’s Net Zero Roadmap. SAF is produced from renewable feedstocks (like waste oil or agricultural residues) and are estimated to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.

Q: How does the new fleet affect noise pollution?

A: The new engines on the Airbus A320neo aircraft are significantly quieter than previous generations. They reduce the noise footprint by 50% during take-off and landing, which is a major benefit for communities living near airports.