In response to environmental concerns, British Airways is set to raise ticket prices as it shifts to more eco-friendly fuel options. This change comes as the airline industry faces increasing pressure to cut down on carbon emissions and improve sustainability.
British Airways Adopts Pricier Eco-Friendly Fuel
Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group, the parent company of British Airways, said in an interview with the Financial Times that the era of cheap flights might be coming to an end.
This adjustment is part of a broader effort to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel.
According to Quartz, starting next year, European regulations will require that a small percentage of fuel used at airports be sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with mandates set to increase significantly by 2050.
The transition to SAF is challenging due to its higher cost compared to traditional jet fuel. Despite the rapid drop in prices for these greener fuels, they remain substantially more expensive, influencing overall flight costs.
Last month, German airline Lufthansa announced it would add a fee to tickets to help cover these new expenses, signaling a trend British Airways is also adopting.
Industry experts, including Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, have noted that the financial burden of this green transition cannot fall solely on the airlines, given their slim profit margins.
Consequently, passengers flying with British Airways can expect higher fares as the airline invests in sustainable technology and cleaner fuel to meet regulatory requirements and environmental goals.
This move underscores British Airways' commitment to a greener future, but it also means travelers must pay more for their flights.
More Flights to South America
British Airways is set to enhance its flight services to South America this winter, aiming to connect more travelers with key destinations like Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires.
Starting October 29, 2024, the airline will increase its flights from London Heathrow to Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport from daily to ten times a week. The upgrade boosts the seat availability by 28 percent compared to last winter, making it easier for more passengers to visit Brazil.
As per the Business Traveller, the additional flights to Sao Paulo will be on British Airways' Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, while the current daily services are operated using the A350-1000 aircraft.
Additionally, from October 27, all flights to Sao Paulo will depart from Terminal 5 at Heathrow, moving from their current location at Terminal 3.
In a similar expansion, British Airways will also enhance its service on the Heathrow-Rio de Janeiro-Buenos Aires route. This route will exclusively use the A350-1000 aircraft starting October 27, which will increase the seat capacity by 22 percent over last winter.
The expansion by British Airways comes amid a wider increase in flights to Latin America by several airlines.
TAP Air Portugal, for example, has recently announced new routes to Brazil. At the same time, Iberia reported a 20 percent increase in its capacity to Latin America compared to pre-COVID levels, with notable growth in flights to Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.
British Airways' enhancements reflect a growing interest in South American destinations among European travelers.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
