easyJet today outlined a strategy to progressively decarbonise and reduce noise from aviation operations.

A collaboration with US company Wright Electric will support the goal for short haul flights to be operated by all-electric planes. Wright Electric has set itself the challenge of building an all-electric commercial passenger jet capable of flying passengers across easyJet’s UK and European network within a decade.

The new Airbus A320 neo aircraft is set to bring significant environmental and operational benefits – up to 15% saving in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, and a reduced noise footprint of 50% on take-off and landing, providing a benefit to airport neighbourhood communities, easyJet says.

easyJet is also introducing new electric, towbarless aircraft tugs. A partnership with Safran has also been announced to trial e-taxi hydrogen fuel cell technology, This will be implemented in the coming months in what the companies say will be “a revolutionary zero emissions taxiing system” for aircraft.

Since 2000, easyJet says its emissions have reduced by over 31% per passenger kilometre.  The airline has a carbon emissions target of 72 grams by 2022, which would be a 10% reduction from today’s performance and a 38% improvement from 2000.