Finnair, the flag carrier of Finland, has released its first sustainability report in compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the European Union’s new framework for standardised sustainability reporting.
In a press statement, Finnair says that this milestone reinforces Finnair’s commitment to transparent and accountable environmental and social practices, providing a detailed overview of its sustainability efforts, including over 500 key performance indicators.
The statement adds that one of the most significant milestones in the past year was Finnair’s adoption of a new climate target for 2033, aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The statement adds that this commitment supports the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In addition, the airline made notable strides in its efforts to reduce emissions, doubling its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage from 2,266 tonnes to approximately 4,700 tonnes.
While this currently accounts for only 0.46% of total kerosene consumption, Finnair expects to increase the share of SAF to 1.8% in 2024, reinforcing its long-term focus on sustainable aviation.
Beyond emissions reduction, Finnair has made significant progress in advancing circular economy initiatives. The airline successfully reduced waste per passenger to 213 grams, down from 340 grams in 2021. This figure includes waste generated at its Helsinki-Vantaa hub and on returning flights, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to minimise its environmental footprint.
On the social sustainability front, Finnair has taken active steps to assess human rights risks across its operations. The airline has also reinforced its diversity and inclusion efforts, introducing internal training programs and inclusive language guidelines.
Finnair says it further demonstrated its commitment to equality by partnering with Helsinki Pride as an official sponsor.
Recognising that sustainability is a continuous effort rather than a one-time achievement, Finnair says it remains focused on several key areas for improvement. The airline is currently finalising its transition plan to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 while continuing to expand its investments in SAF. Additionally, improving fuel efficiency in flight operations remains a priority.
