American Airlines emitted 29.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents in 2008, down 5 percent from the previous year. Its operational intensity ratio, or emissions as a percentage of revenue, however, increased 0.3 percent because of lower payload.
American Airlines, which had $24 billion in revenue last year, has committed to a 30 percent reduction in its operational intensity ratio by 2025, according to its 2008 corporate responsibility report (PDF).
American Airlines says last year it became the first major passenger airline to join EPA's Climate Leaders program. The airline will work with Climate Leaders to set a mid-range goal to help meet its 2025 emissions target.
American Airlines' employees' Fuel Smart fuel conservation program helped save 111 million gallons of fuel and 2.3 billion pounds of carbon dioxide in 2008.
American Airlines, along with nearly 4,000 other companies including commercial airlines, private jet operators and air forces around the globe, would be subject to a potential ban from European Union airports unless they reduce emissions or purchase carbon credits.
The company used nearly 200 million gallons less in 2008 than in 2007. The company has been looking for ways to reduce the weight on its planes to reduce fuel. Here is a look at American Airlines annual use of jet fuel, in billions of gallons.
