Swiss International Air Lines is setting a new standard in long-haul air travel with the revolutionary global introduction of environmentally friendly fares for sustainable air travel

Swiss International Air Lines is transforming long-haul travel with the global expansion of Green Fares and reducing CO2 emissions for a more sustainable flying experience.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is taking a big step towards sustainable air travel. From December 4, 2024, the airline will expand its innovative offering in collaboration with its sister companies in the Lufthansa Group Green tariffs across its entire global route network. This initiative represents a transformative approach to green aviation and enables passengers to significantly reduce their carbon footprint during flight.

With Green Fares, customers on long-haul flights can directly contribute to climate protection. Ten percent of CO2 emissions The CO2 emissions caused by your air travel are mitigated through their use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The rest 90 percent of emissions are offset by investments in high-quality climate protection projects. For flights within Europe and to North Africa, the current model remains unchanged: 20 percent of emissions are reduced via SAF, while the rest 80 percent is compensated through similar initiatives.

This global expansion comes after a successful test on selected long-haul routes. The Zurich-Los Angeles route in particular showed great passenger interest: around six percent of travelers opted for green fares – an important indicator of growing consumer demand for sustainable travel.

A bold vision for sustainable air travel

“Our company has set itself ambitious goals to make air travel more sustainable” says SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger. “And we are taking a range of actions to achieve these goals, including investments in new aircraft and innovative technologies. The expansion of our Green Fares to all of our long-haul flights is an important step in this journey. Ultimately, more sustainable air travel can only be ensured through the efforts of everyone involved. Our customers also play an important role. And by offering them options like our Green Fares, we enable them to make an active contribution to a more sustainable aviation world.”

The Green Fares program is just one of several measures SWISS and the Lufthansa Group are taking to combat climate change. The companies also invest in advanced aircraft, research innovative technologies and support the development of SAF to improve availability and affordability.

Exclusive benefits for Green Tariff customers

Choosing a green tariff has numerous advantages beyond the environmental benefits. Passengers enjoy flexible rebooking optionswhich allows for smoother travel planning and the opportunity to earn money additional Miles & More loyalty points. These miles can be redeemed for various purposes, such as further reducing carbon footprint or improving the travel experience.

Customers can also increase their contribution to sustainability by using their earned miles to support other environmentally friendly initiatives. This creates a seamless way for eco-conscious travelers to incorporate sustainability into their travels.

Building on the success of the past: Green tariffs since 2022

The Green Fares initiative was first introduced in August 2022 for selected short-haul routes. Since then, SWISS has continually expanded the program. Green fares have even become standard on its domestic routes Standard ticket optionwhich underlines the airline’s commitment to sustainable travel.

In 2023, the airline recorded a positive response from its customers five percent of passengers You choose green tariffs. Participation among SWISS business travelers was even higher and reached 20 percent. These efforts reduced overall carbon dioxide emissions by 5,400 tons through SAF use and offset 48,500 tons CO₂ through investments in climate protection projects. To put this into perspective, this equates to emissions of approx 400 flights from Zurich to New York.

A strong commitment to innovation and sustainability

At the heart of SWISS’s sustainability efforts is a commitment to supporting and advancing the use of sustainable aviation fuel. SAF plays a crucial role in reducing aviation emissions as it is derived from renewable sources such as biomass and waste. Although SAF is promising, it is currently only available in limited quantities, posing a major challenge to widespread adoption.

SWISS and the Lufthansa Group are not only increasing the use of SAF, but are also actively involved in its development and production. By championing this technology, they aim to make it a mainstream solution for the aviation industry and help close the gap between current capabilities and future sustainability goals.

A comprehensive approach to reducing emissions

The Lufthansa Group takes a multi-faceted approach to sustainable travel. Customers – both business and leisure – can already choose from several options to offset their carbon emissions. Whether through SAF integration, financial contributions to certified climate protection projects or a combination of both – the airline offers flexibility for a more environmentally conscious travel experience.

Passengers also receive detailed information about how the options they choose contribute to reducing emissions. Transparency and education are key components of the Green Fares program, ensuring customers understand the impacts and feel confident in their decisions.

Popularity of Green Fare Trial Zurich-Los Angeles

The decision to expand Green Fares on all routes follows the success of the test phase on selected long-haul flights. The Zurich-Los Angeles route It was particularly well received: six percent of passengers chose the sustainable tariff. The popularity of this route shows that travelers are increasingly willing to invest in eco-friendly options when accessible and sensible options are available to them.

SWISS plans to replicate this success across its global network and encourage more passengers to choose sustainable travel solutions.

Looking into the future: The future of environmentally friendly air travel

SWISS’s commitment to sustainability is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry. Airlines around the world recognize the urgent need to address the sector’s environmental impact, particularly as global demand for air travel continues to grow. With ambitious climate targets for 2030 and beyond, innovations like Green Fares are critical to achieving long-term goals.

SWISS has set a clear example of how airlines can integrate sustainability into their operations. By offering green fares as a default option, they are shifting the industry narrative from reactive compliance to proactive governance. This bold move not only benefits the environment, but also increases the brand’s appeal among eco-conscious travelers.

Making sustainable air travel a reality

The expansion of SWISS’s Green Fares program across its entire network marks a pivotal moment in the aviation industry’s journey towards sustainability. By integrating SAF and supporting high-quality climate protection projects, the airline offers its customers concrete opportunities to reduce their travel-related CO2 footprint.

As travelers increasingly look for eco-friendly options, initiatives like Green Fares are setting a new standard for sustainable air travel. With the support of the Lufthansa Group, SWISS is positioning itself as a pioneer of this transformative movement, ensuring that the future of flying is not only possible, but also sustainable for future generations.