Our sustainability approach
At Virgin Australia, we care about driving positive social, environmental, community and people outcomes. We continue to play a role in supporting a healthy planet and communities for future generations.
Reducing our footprint at 35,000 feet
We committed to a target of net zero emissions by 2050 in November 2021 and we continue to actively build out our wider sustainability strategy. This includes modernising our fleet, continuing to identify and implement operational efficiencies, further reducing ground emissions, improving our waste management, and using alternative fuels where commercially viable.
Aviation by its very nature involves constant movement. We are conscious of the responsibilities this creates, and we strive to be diligent and thoughtful about our environmental impacts when it comes to sustainability.
Virgin Australia’s Fly Carbon Neutral program enables guests to offset the carbon emissions associated with their flights. This program was the first government-accredited carbon offsetting program in the world when it was certified in 2007 under the National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS), now Climate Active. Since then, more than four million guests have chosen to offset their travels. In FY22, approximately 25,000 tonnes of carbon emissions were offset through the guest program.
We source carbon credits from high-integrity projects that eliminate or avoid emissions. These include the Tasmanian Land Conservancy’s New Leaf Project and other nature-based projects.
Discover more about sustainability at Virgin Australia
Emissions management
We are committed to minimising our emissions in a number of ways, including fuel efficiency programs, fleet and engine renewal, advocating for a sustainable aviation fuels industry in Australia, and improved cooperation with partners.
Community
We are a proud Australian airline. Our strategy is to strengthen our community partnerships to be a force for good in society.
Reporting
Read an archive of sustainability-related reports. We are committed to reporting transparently to our stakeholders on our progress in achieving our sustainability goals.
Resource management
Efficiently managing the resources we use throughout our operations is key to improving the sustainability of our business into the future.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
SAF offers the single largest opportunity to reduce emissions for airlines in the medium term while ensuring long-term fuel security.
Carbon offset program
Virgin Australia operates the world’s first government certified carbon offsetting program, Fly Carbon Neutral, enabling passengers to offset the emissions associated with their travel. This page also contains important terms and conditions that you should be aware of.