The group made the announcement alongside publishing its new sustainability strategy

The owner of Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports has announced its commitment to achieve net zero for its direct emissions by the mid 2030’s, as part of a new sustainability strategy.

The facilities already achieved carbon neutral status in 2020 meaning that emissions have been balanced by using carbon credit schemes, however its net zero pledge will mean AGS is committing to producing no net carbon emissions into the atmosphere in the future.

The group’s sustainability targets also encompass commitments against a range of issues including, biodiversity, modern slavery, community support and supporting its people.

Derek Provan, CEO of AGS Airports, said: “We have always been acutely aware that operating such important pieces of infrastructure comes with responsibilities; to our people, to our communities and to the environment. As we seek to regrow and restore the connectivity that will help drive Scotland’s and the UK’s recovery post-COVID, we will balance the undoubted social and economic benefits of aviation with our climate change responsibilities.”

To achieve net zero, AGS will develop a roadmap, support the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as well as the promotion of electric and hydrogen flight and it will transition its fleet of vehicles to ultra-low emission types.

Graeme Dey, Scotland’s transport minister, added: “I’m delighted to see AGS Airports lay out their plans to reduce emissions across their sites and play their part in helping Scotland achieve our ambitious climate change targets. I warmly welcome their commitment to achieving net-zero carbon for direct emissions by the mid-2030s and working with the wider aviation sector to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2045.”