Welcome toLondon City Airport

London City is leading the way in reducing single-use plastic. Following the successful trial of biobased security bags in 2021, we have now introduced advanced security scanners, making it the first London airport to do so. Passengers can now bypass the hassle of needing to use plastic bags to hold their toiletries and liquids. We are also working on our circular economy strategy which will set out the steps necessary to increase recycling rates and move away from energy recovery from waste and further reduce emissions.

In 2022, London City launched a new biodiversity fund, investing a minimum of £50,000 over two years in local projects with partners. Current awarded projects include GreenTheUK, benefitting 22 East London schools with wildflower planting for wildlife habitats and educational value. Thames21 received over £30,000 to enhance biodiversity along the River Roding, predicting a 30% improvement in river condition. London City has also been procuring high quality offsets by targeting carbon removal projects through afforestation. This has a global impact on emission reduction and also provides a wealth of community and biodiversity benefits.

We are developing a Future Fuel Strategy for the airport's fuel storage and distribution facilities including low and zero carbon fuels. In collaboration with suppliers, we are exploring future fuelling options for flights and infrastructure, including a new fuel farm that can adapt to sustainable fuelling changes. We welcome the UK Government’s SAF implementation targets to support the short to medium term reduction in carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel. We are now incorporating these considerations into procurement and infrastructure planning, working closely with suppliers to meet present and future requirements.

As part of our goal to achieve absolute emissions reduction, we developed the airport’s carbon saving trajectory and formulated reduction targets in line with the IPCC 1.5c pathway and Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). The decarbonisation plan was independently verified, alongside the airport’s carbon reduction performance, and LCY was awarded the highest-level 4+ Transition in the ACA programme. This goes beyond the Level 3+ (carbon neutrality) award obtained in December 2019 by demonstration of London City’s transition pathway towards net zero carbon by 2030 and recognising the ongoing work with third parties at the airport to reduce Scope 3 emissions. London City is one of only two UK airports to obtain Level 4+, placing us firmly at the forefront of GHG reduction in the aviation sector.

Community Fund awarded over £77,000 to 28 local charities and not-for-profit organisation in 2022. In January 2023 we awarded £50,000 to East London foodbanks to support the local community during the current cost-of-living crisis, making a total of £364,000 awarded since the fund’s launch in 2019. Our Sponsorships Programme gave a further £68,000 in donations and sponsorships in 2022 to local community initiatives and events, including Christmas dinners for the elderly, Eid celebrations and youth parade. We also sponsored awards by Newham Chamber of Commerce and Greenwich Business.

The Embraer E190-E2 received certification for operation at London City in June 2021. This particular aircraft stands out for its lower noise levels and a 17% decrease in carbon emissions compared to its predecessor. Building on this achievement, the E195-E2 successfully landed at London City in September 2022, this aircraft has the lowest noise levels of new generation single-aisle aircraft and offers up to 30% lower carbon emissions compared to the E190-E1, expected operation of this aircraft will begin in late 2023. These advancements in Embraer's aircraft line-up contribute to a more environmentally friendly and quieter aviation experience at LCY.

At London City, we re-launched our Women in Aviation Programme to help local young women gain knowledge, understanding and awareness of the STEM as well as aviation field and associated jobs. Nearly 300 young women from 10 schools took part in three stages, starting with an airport visit to see career opportunities. Students were tasked to develop concepts to make London City a net zero emissions airport and presented ideas to industry representative at the final stage held in May.

London City launched STEM in Aviation in 2016 to inspire future innovators in the aviation industry. The event at ExCel London showcases the applications of science and technology, encouraging students to pursue STEM subjects. Addressing the UK's STEM skills shortage is crucial for the thriving aviation sector, contributing £22 billion annually to the economy and providing over 230,000 jobs. The 2022 event connected students with companies focused on zero emissions, including Boeing, GKN Aerospace, Accenture, Arcadis, and the University of East London. Over 1,500 students and 87 schools have benefited from the program since 2016.

Since 2021, all diesel units required by aircraft to power its essential equipment were replaced with electric mobile ground power units. These are battery units that are recharged using London City’s renewable electricity supply which not only eliminates the carbon and air quality impacts associated with diesel units but also significantly reduces the noise emitted. In 2022, seven new Electric Vehicle charging points were installed at LCY for use by passengers, staff and taxis to facilitate and promote sustainable travel options to and from the airport.

Since 2020, London City has made significant strides in its commitment to sustainability. The airport has ensured that 100% of its imported electricity is sourced from certified renewable sources, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. We have installed solar panel units and are looking at ways to increase on-site generation of renewable energy. These efforts demonstrate the airport's dedication to reaching its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 and contributing to a more sustainable aviation industry.