Flight infographic

Calculating flight emissions is complex, as many different factors influence greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the climate. In addition to CO₂ emissions, we calculate other climate-impacting effects that are particularly evident during flights at high altitudes. There is a solid data basis and reliable scientific evidence for all these factors, which enables us to calculate the carbon footprint per person. Further detailed information on our calculation standard can be found here:

Distance, chosen flight route, detours

The distance travelled has a decisive impact on fuel consumption and therefore on the amount of C0₂e emissions.

Fuel weight

Short-haul flights use a relatively large amount of fuel per person due to take-off and climb, while long-haul flights consume more fuel due to the total weight of the fuel carried.

Passenger load factor

As the flight is still in the future at the time of booking, the load factor must be estimated with the best probability using load factor data from the recent past.

Non-C0₂ emissions

In addition to C0₂ (carbon dioxide), a number of other gases such as methane, nitrous oxide and the effects of soot particles and water vapour in the form of condensation trails and cirri contribute to global warming.

Winglets/Sharklets

The upward or downward curved extensions of the wingtips improve the aerodynamic properties of an aircraft and reduce fuel consumption.

Aircraft type

Each airline individualises its own equipment (e.g. seat capacity) so that aircraft of the same type can have different C0₂e emissions on the same route.

Taxiing on the ground, reserve fuel

Taxiing between the take-off and landing points and the terminal generates emissions. In addition, every aircraft has to carry reserve fuel, which increases the take-off weight and therefore the emissions.

Seating

The seat categories (Economy, Business, FIRST) offer different amounts of space per passenger, which means that parts of the fuel consumption must also be allocated differently.

Cargo

Cargo capacity has the same effect on fuel consumption as seating capacity and is therefore included in the calculation.

Upstream chain of fuel production

Emissions are generated during oil production, processing into kerosene and the transport of kerosene from the refinery to the airport, which are included in the calculation.

Flight altitude

From an altitude of 9 km, non-C0₂ emissions have an average effect that exceeds that of C0₂ by a factor of 3. Emissions at this altitude are multiplied by a mark-up factor of 3 for non-C0₂.