BA CE Sean Doyle believes the carrier is demonstrating its commitment to meeting emissions targets goes well beyond offsetting measures after unveiling a fresh programme of initiatives tackling the impact of climate change. The carrier outlined a partnership with Air BP to source sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to cover its flights linking London with Glasgow and Edinburgh during the upcoming COP26 climate conference, which is being held in the former, as well as enabling customers to buy SAF to further offset their carbon footprint on flights. The initiatives form part of the carrier’s wider ”BA Better World” programme, which it highlighted with a repainted Airbus A320neo – the most fuel efficient aircraft in its fleet. Unveiling the programme at a London Heathrow Airport event, Doyle highlighted the commitments BA has already made to tackle its environmental impact, which include its pledge to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. ”The aircraft serves as a constant and visual testament to our colleagues, customers and to all of our stakeholders of the commitment we are making today, which is to put sustainability at the heart of our business,” says Doyle.<br/>
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Japan Airlines is looking to raise 300b yen ($2.7b) in funds to ride out anticipated funding challenges amid the continued slump in air traffic, sources have told Nikkei. The funds will be raised through subordinated loans and other financing measures, the sources said. The move comes as air travel continues to languish in Japan despite progress with the country's vaccination program, weighing on the airline's bottom line. JAL will look to shore up its finances to ride out the slowdown, should it continue. Subordinated debt is set to be classified as quasi-equity this month. JAL is also looking at issuing bonds to raise funds. The amount of the capital raised could vary, depending on demand for the JAL bonds. The funds are not just to cover operating expenses. The company needs to invest in new initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. JAL wants to limit any damage to its balance sheet by using quasi-equity financing. The move follows earlier rounds of capital raising of 180bn yen carried out in November and December. JAL has concluded that it needs an additional cash buffer as the pandemic has lasted longer than expected. The country has been under the state of emergency for much of the year. JAL has a capital-to-asset ratio of 42.4%, one of the healthiest among global airlines. But the company has continued to bleed cash over the past several months. <br/>
Cathay Pacific Airways said it decided to “part company with a small number of aircrew” who chose not to receive available Covid-19 vaccines and didn’t provide proof of any medical exemption. The Hong Kong-based carrier in June asked flight crew to be fully inoculated by the end of August or face having their employment reviewed. All of Cathay’s flights since Sept. 1 have been with fully vaccinated crew, the airline said in a statement Wednesday. “It’s clear to us all now that Covid-19 is a terrible virus and that keeping our customers, communities, and families safe is of the utmost importance,” Cathay said. “Border controls around the world have dramatically reduced our ability to operate with unvaccinated aircrew.” <br/>
Qantas CE Alan Joyce has reiterated that the airline will ban unvaccinated passengers from international flights when borders reopen and hopes this will happen in December. Joyce said the airline would introduce a policy that would require proof of vaccination before flying. "Qantas will have a policy that internationally we'll only be carrying vaccinated passengers," he said. "Because we think that's going to be one of the requirements to show that you're flying safe and getting into those countries. We're hoping that can happen by Christmas." Joyce had previously flagged passengers would need to be vaccinated to board international flights last year, before Australia's vaccine rollout began. The airline announced last month it would make vaccinations mandatory for its 22,000 staff, citing a staff survey that found overwhelming support for vaccines. Qantas and Jetstar will require frontline staff to be double-vaccinated by November 15 and office staff to be double vaccinated by the end of March. Medical exemptions will be granted.<br/>