EASA and IATA Join Forces on Flight Emissions Transparency

BRUSSELS/COLOGNE/GENEVA, November 20, 2025 – In a move to improve transparency in air travel emissions, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has partnered with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to explore synergies between the EU Flight Emissions Label and IATA’s existing environmental data management platforms.

The primary aim of this collaboration is to provide consistency in CO2 emissions data for passengers at the time of booking flights. The EU Flight Emissions Label, introduced following EU regulation in 2024, facilitates a reliable framework for airlines to disclose their flight emissions to consumers, promoting informed travel choices.

Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, expressed optimism about the partnership: 'This collaboration will ease the way for airlines to participate in the Flight Emissions Label, ultimately enhancing the information available to air travelers.'

IATA’s EcoHub and CO2 Connect calculator are key tools in this initiative. EcoHub serves as an extensive system for airline sustainability data management, while CO2 Connect utilizes operational data to calculate flight CO2 performance, mirroring data needed for the Flight Emissions Label's issuance.

The MoU was officially signed during the IATA’s 'Wings of Change Europe' event held in Brussels on November 18-19, 2025. This gathering highlighted the increasing importance of sustainability in the aviation sector amidst growing public demand for transparent emissions information.

As per the regulation, adopted by the European Commission in December 2024, airlines from both EU and non-EU countries can voluntarily adopt the Flight Emissions Label. Participation is essential for displaying emissions data in the EU and is linked to the broader goals of the 'ReFuelEU Aviation' initiative.

IATA's involvement ensures that airlines can effectively navigate complex regulatory requirements while maintaining customer trust through accurate emissions reporting. 'The collaborative effort with EASA is crucial for harmonizing data exchange and minimizing administrative burdens,' said Willie Walsh, IATA's Director General.

This initiative is timely as the demand for detailed flight emissions data is on the rise, coinciding with increasing governmental actions worldwide to address climate change and aviation's environmental impact. Airlines must adapt to this evolving regulatory landscape to maintain their market position.

The next steps will involve aligning processes for the label issuance, ensuring that more airlines can quickly integrate into the system. This could further establish a unified approach across the sector, enhancing the credibility and utility of emissions information for travelers.

EASA, headquartered in Cologne, remains committed to civil aviation safety and environmental protection standards, while IATA, representing over 80% of global air traffic, champions efforts for sustainable aviation practices.

As this collaborative movement gains momentum, the aviation industry anticipates increases in compliance and operational efficiency, ultimately benefiting both airlines and passengers alike.