IATA, British Airways, Microsoft Team Up on Carbon Calculations

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has partnered with British Airways and Microsoft to enhance the accuracy of its IATA CO2 Connect for Cargo tool, aimed at improving carbon emissions calculations. 

IATA CO2 Connect for Cargo is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025. The tool will be integrated into quoting and booking systems for freight forwarders, shippers, and airlines. It builds on the IATA CO2 Connect launched in June 2022, which provides carbon emissions calculations for passenger flights. The tool utilizes primary data from over 40 airlines, including British Airways, and is based on a calculation methodology endorsed by the industry.

British Airways will supply flight-level fuel consumption data from its approximately 700 daily flights to support IATA CO2 Connect. Carrie Harris, British Airways’ Director of Sustainability, stated, “At British Airways, transparency and consistency are essential for our sustainability efforts. By sharing our flight-level fuel consumption data with IATA CO2 Connect, we are improving the accuracy of CO2 emissions calculations and ensuring access to reliable and clear information.” She emphasized the importance of industry alignment and collaboration in achieving sustainability standards.

Microsoft, leveraging its partnership with British Airways, will provide technical guidance and participate as one of the initial pilot testers for the IATA CO2 Connect for Cargo tool, according to A21. Nico De Golia, Director of Sustainability, Microsoft Cloud Logistics, noted, “Collaboration in the industry is essential for the decarbonization of aviation. Using CO2 Connect for Cargo will help Microsoft work with airlines to reduce emissions and make informed investments.”

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist, remarked that strong partnerships with British Airways and Microsoft will enhance the tool's capabilities. “Our common goal is to obtain the most accurate data on aviation carbon emissions. This will help industry clients manage and report their carbon footprints and inform strategic decisions for airline decarbonization,” she added.