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Jet2.com has demonstrated the tangible steps it is taking to cut emissions from its ground operations this World EV Day (September 9^th), with over half of its owned ground service equipment (GSE) now electrified.

The leading leisure airline has also detailed a clear roadmap to reach emission reductions of 99% from its owned GSE by 2035. The result of these actions means less diesel, less noise and improved local air quality. 

The electrification of ground operations vehicles is just one part of Jet2’s Sustainability Strategy, which covers three pillars: ‘In the Air’, ‘On The Ground’ and ‘In Resort’. A key component of the ‘On The Ground’ pillar includes work to reduce the airside carbon footprint, through the introduction of all-electric crew buses and ground handling equipment.

As a result of this electrification programme, several hundred vehicles and pieces of GSE which include belt loaders, baggage tractors, pushback tractors, ground power units, steps, high-loaders, airside vans & cars, customer buses, and crew buses have now been converted to an electric fuel supply.

In addition, a company-wide electric car salary-exchange scheme has been launched enabling Jet2 colleagues to switch to electric vehicles.

Jet2 has recently received recognition for its approach to sustainability, including being named the winner of the Package Holiday/Leisure Airline category at the global AirlineRatings.com 2025 Sustainability Awards, as well as Large Business category at the Yorkshire Sustainability Excellence Awards.

These awards recognise Jet2’s sustainability strategy, which is underpinned by two key objectives: to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, and a milestone of 35% reduction in carbon intensity by 2035. To monitor Jet2’s journey to NetZero, the airline and tour operator is using key metrics, third-party verification, and transparent reporting to track and share its progress.

As well as focusing on EV, Jet2’s results driven Sustainability Strategy includes actions such as:

• A new climate transition plan, focused on existing technologies and tangible actions that can be taken currently. This will see Jet2.com reduce its carbon emissions per revenue paying passenger kilometre (gCO₂/RPK) by 35% in 2035 compared to 2019 (43.55gCO₂/RPK in 2035 vs. 67gCO₂/RPK in 2019). 

• Investing billions into decarbonising its fleet, with a firm order for 155 brand-new Airbus A321neo aircraft. These aircraft give a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 20% and are 50% quieter compared to the aircraft they are replacing. 

• Installation of split-scimitar winglets onto 60 of its Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, reducing fuel burn by up to 1.8% through improved aerodynamic efficiency. 

• Incorporating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in its operations. 

• The continued investment in renewable energy across its operations, including the installation of roof-mounted solar power systems at new facilities such as Jet2’s new maintenance hangar at Manchester Airport. 

• Launching and expanding Jet2holidays’ Certified Sustainable Hotels collection, giving customers the option to choose accommodation that meets a sustainability certification – with over 1,200 hotels now in the collection, with a target of 3,000 by 2035.

Paul Southall, Head of Sustainability at Jet2, said: “Our sustainability strategy is all about making tangible changes where they matter the most, and embracing the benefits of EV is part of that. Electrifying the GSE that supports every turnaround, switching our crew transport to electric vehicles, and helping colleagues drive electric are real steps that reduce carbon, cut ramp noise and improve air quality. This is just one part of our sustainability strategy, and World EV Day is a great time to reflect on the progress we have made, as well as on the ambitions that we have.”