A British Airways Airbus A380 superjumbo passenger plane is seen taking off on final approach for landing on the runway at London Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom.
Nicola Economo | Nurfoto | getty images
British Airways is offering financial incentives to pilots who reduce their planes’ fuel consumption, as the US-Iran war continues to impact travel and send jet fuel prices rising.
According to documents seen by , the airline’s pilots will have to cut their aircraft’s carbon dioxide emissions by 60,000 tonnes above 2025 levels to receive a bonus of 1% of their base salary. Bloomberg News And it was reported on Tuesday.
British Airways confirmed to CNBC that it is working with the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) on the initiative and said in a statement that it is “fully committed to improving colleagues’ experience at work”.
A person familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that BALPA members will vote on the proposal in late April and it is expected to take effect next year.
“BALPA and British Airways are exploring potential changes to the terms and conditions for pilots at British Airways, including ways in which pilots can continue to contribute to the company’s sustainability goals,” BALPA said in a statement to CNBC.
The trade union, which says it represents 85% of pilots in the UK, said “any proposed changes to the terms and conditions will be put to members to vote.”
Jet fuel prices increased
The initiative comes as global airlines grapple with rising jet fuel prices amid the US war with Iran. Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the global oil supply passes, has pushed prices above $100 a barrel.
international benchmark Brent crude was last trading up about 5% at $107 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 4.2% to $94 a barrel.
Meanwhile, jet fuel prices have also increased by nearly 106% compared to a month ago, according to data for the week ending March 20. International Air Transport Association.
Airlines are considering a number of measures, from charging higher ticket fares to canceling less profitable flights.
Cathay Pacific of China increased my fuel surcharge In response to the Middle East conflict, he said this is an important mitigation strategy to offset rising fuel costs, which were expected to account for 30% of its total operating costs in 2025.
Meanwhile, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said rising oil prices will have a “meaningful” impact on the carrier’s first-quarter financial results earlier this month. Kirby said in a staff memo last week that the airline was going to cut unprofitable flights over the next two quarters.
United expects oil prices to rise to $175 a barrel and remain above $100 by the end of 2027 – resulting in the company’s annual fuel bill rising to $11 billion.
Additionally, Australia’s Qantas and Scandinavian Airlines are raising ticket fares, while Air New Zealand has lowered its financial outlook until the war is resolved.
