Leading global airline rankings platform, has unveiled its Top 25 Environmentally Focused Airlines
42kft.com (42 Thousand Feet), the leading global airline rankings platform, has unveiled its Top 25 Environmentally Focused Airlines, selected from the 142 airlines currently under its rigorous evaluation framework.
The list, presented in alphabetical order, includes:
Aegean Airlines, AeroMexico, Air Arabia, AirAsia Group, Air Baltic, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, Alaskan Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, China Southern, EasyJet, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, HK Express, IndiGo, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Ryanair, SAS Scandinavian, Singapore Airlines Group, VietJet, Virgin Atlantic/Virgin Australia, and Wizz.
Unlike other rankings based on pledges and aspirational targets, 42kft.com’s unique methodology prioritizes tangible progress, including fleet renewal, adoption of sustainable technologies, and verifiable environmental programs. Pledges such as “Net Zero by 2050” are considered baseline expectations—not distinguishing factors.
“With these rankings, we’re honouring real, measurable commitments to reducing carbon emissions,” said Geoffrey Thomas, founder of 42kft.com and a globally respected aviation journalist.
“We also acknowledge that government inaction in certain regions slows airlines’ sustainability efforts. Our methodology is designed to highlight those pushing forward regardless.”
Thomas, who has written extensively on aviation’s environmental impact and co-authored three books on the topic, noted that fleet age is a critical ranking factor. However, global aircraft delivery delays—due to post-COVID supply chain issues and certification hold-ups—are affecting airlines’ ability to modernize.
“Take the Boeing 777-9, for example. Originally due in 2020, it’s now pushed back to 2026 due to a combination of certification delays and supply shortages,” Thomas added.
About the Environmental Ranking System
42kft.com’s evaluation is based on nine key criteria:
- Fleet age
- Firm orders for fleet renewal
- Commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
- Recycling initiatives
- Adoption of technological innovations
- Verified carbon offset programs
- Annual environmental impact reporting
- IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) compliance
- Investment in electric and hybrid aircraft technologies
The platform currently covers airlines representing approximately 80% of global air passenger traffic, with new airlines being added monthly to ensure ongoing relevance and coverage.