Flybe has welcomed the recommendation of the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee which called upon all UK airlines to introduce ecolabels to their aircraft.In its report examining the Treasury implications of the Stern Report, the Committee highlighted the Flybe ecolabel initiative and recommended ‘that airlines adopt a system of eco-labelling, so that consumers can compare the environmental footprint of each airline when purchasing their tickets’.

John McFall MP, the Chairman of the Committee said:

“Our proposals for an industry-wide eco-labelling scheme would at least provide customers with the environmental information they need to make a choice between providers.”

In a groundbreaking, industry-first move, Flybe started introduced ecolabels for all 77 of its aircraft in June 2007. The label, modelled on those used in the sale of ‘white goods’ like fridges, microwaves and washing machines, shows a full range of environmental indicators per aircraft.

The labels are presented in a clear and transparent way as part of the on-line ticket booking process and are displayed on the side of all aircraft as well as in onboard literature and advertising. The labels were subject to a detailed assurance process by Deloitte and Touche and represent best in class methodology.

Commenting on the Committee’s recommendation, Mike Rutter, Flybe’s Chief Commercial Officer said:

“Flybe is delighted that the Treasury Select Committee has highlighted our ecolabel scheme and encouraged the rest of UK aviation to follow our lead and adopt an eco-labelling system. The initiative is scientifically robust and we have, since June 2007, made the methodology fully available online to any other airline that wants to replicate them. We repeat our offer to the industry to make our expert staff available to any other airline wanting to develop their own ecolabels.”

Flybe’s starting point on the environment is that all human activity, including aviation, contributes to climate change. We are proud to have invested $3 billion in state of the art environmentally sensitive aircraft that serve the UK regions that are all too often left-behind by a transport infrastructure that is overwhelmingly London-centric. If a passenger chooses to fly, we are clear that our ecolabel scheme gives them the information that enables them to compare our planes with those operated by other airlines in an open and transparent manner. We’re extremely pleased that the Treasury Select Committee recognises this fact too.’
——-