Greenwashing: Major European Airlines Under EU Investigation Over Dubious Practices

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Several major airlines, including Air France, its Dutch counterpart KLM, Norwegian, and various airlines within the Lufthansa Group, are currently under investigation by the European Union (EU) for potential greenwashing practices, Reuters reports.

The probe, announced on Thursday, aims to scrutinise claims made by these carriers regarding their efforts to reduce aircraft carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

The EU emphasises the importance of substantiating such claims with sound scientific evidence, whether through offsetting emissions with climate projects or utilising sustainable fuels.

The Lufthansa Group has confirmed that several of its airlines, including Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Air Dolomiti, and Eurowings, are subjects of the investigation.

Air France-KLM also acknowledged its inclusion in the probe.

Norwegian, in response to inquiries from Reuters, stated that they are reviewing the case materials and will provide a response within the stipulated deadline.

In a statement, the industry group Airlines for Europe (A4E) acknowledged the significance of transparent information regarding sustainability initiatives.

However, it highlighted the considerable variation and ongoing evolution of EU regulations in this regard.

While the identities of all airlines under investigation have not been disclosed by the EU, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) has revealed that it raised concerns about 17 airlines allegedly engaging in greenwashing.

The list includes Air Baltic, Air Dolomiti, Air France, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Finnair, KLM, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Ryanair, SAS, SWISS, TAP, Volotea, Vueling, and Wizz Air.

TAP, though not confirming its involvement in the probe to Reuters, referred to a statement issued by the A4E in response to the investigation.

The remaining airlines listed by BEUC did not respond immediately to Reuters’ requests for comments. Reuters continues its efforts to obtain comments from these airlines.

It remains uncertain how closely BEUC’s list aligns with the EU’s roster, which reportedly includes three additional airlines.

The investigation is currently in its preliminary stages, and the EU has opted not to disclose the names of the airlines involved at this time.

In summary, the EU’s investigation into potential greenwashing practices among airlines underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in environmental claims.

The outcome of this probe will likely have implications for how airlines communicate their sustainability efforts and the degree to which they are held accountable for such assertions.

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