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Newcastle International Airport has unveiled grand plans to become a Net Zero emissions airport within 15 years.

The region’s largest airport has announced it is bringing forward its target date to align with the end date of its Masterplan and its centenary year in 2035 – way ahead of most European airports which have set goal dates of 2050.

The airport said its Net Zero carbon strategy shows its commitment to being a good neighbour, as well as taking action to become ever more environmentally friendly.

To help deliver these goals, the airport will take steps to procure and generate renewable energy, while also moving to new technologies.

Over the next 15 years, a brand new fleet of electric vehicles will be introduced across the airport, including passenger and car park buses, together with improved facilities for customers with electric vehicles.

It will also be taking action to help stakeholders to reduce carbon emissions from flights by working with airlines to encourage more use of the latest, most efficient aircraft such as the A320 NEO – which already operates at the airport – which delivers a 15% saving in CO2 emissions.

The airport is a member of Sustainable Aviation, which consists of airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers and air traffic service providers who are working towards the common goal of cleaner, quieter and smarter aviation.

This year, the airport will also seek to join the ACI Europe Airport Carbon Accreditation Scheme.

Nick Jones, chief executive at Newcastle International Airport, said: “Decarbonising the Airport before 2035 will be a challenge, but this is something that we feel strongly about.

(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

“Newcastle international Airport is an extremely important asset to the region and we pride ourselves on being a good neighbour. The people of the North East are at the heart of everything we do, so it is vital that we make the changes needed to be able to grow the airport in a sustainable manner that protects the environment we all live and work in.”

David Rees, co-head of asset management at AMP Capital, added: “By making such investments into the future of aviation, Newcastle International is leading the way for the industry and we are delighted to see one of our assets making such positive steps.

“We welcome these ambitious plans which also take into account the community that the Airport serves.”

Coun Iain Malcolm, Leader of South Tyneside Council and Lead of the LA7 local authority shareholders, said: “It is fantastic that Newcastle International Airport is leading the way for aviation and contributing to the well-being of the planet with its Net Zero 2035 strategy.

“The Airport’s Net Zero strategy aligns closely with the ambitions of the North East to be a low carbon region. Councils and combined authorities across the region have declared climate emergencies. Collectively, we can work to bring about positive change. ”

Paul Maynard, Aviation Minister, added: “Newcastle Airport’s target of becoming Net Zero by 2035 shows a firm commitment to tackling climate change.

“This impressive environmental ambition is just one of the ways the airport is serving the needs of its community, helping make the UK cleaner, greener and more environmentally-friendly.”