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Our Environment: Environmental projects at Condor
Flying more sustainably means reducing emissions and managing resources responsibly. Using modern fleet technology, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), efficient operations, and eco-conscious product offerings, we aim to strike a balance between travel and environmental conservation. We also use innovative recycling solutions in the cabin to reduce our ecological footprint. Additionally, you have the opportunity to make a Climate Contribution as part of your flight booking and support environmental projects worldwide – for a better future of air travel.
Investments in new aircraft
We support the aviation industry's goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2050. Fleet rollover is also making a significant contribution to this. The rollover of our entire long-haul fleet was completed in a record time of two years. This is an important step towards a more sustainable future. Since March 2024, only brand-new A330neo aircraft have been deployed on Condor's long-haul fleet. Since then, modernization efforts have continued on our short/medium haul fleet with 43 orders for A32Xneo aircraft. Once the modernization efforts have been completed, Condor wil have one of the youngest fleets in Europe.
With the BaseCoat/ClearCoat system from Hamburg-based company Mankiewicz, a new paint system for our liveries has been in use since 2023 that brings a number of environmental benefits to aircraft painting. It consists of a highly pigmented basecoat that requires less colour and therefore saves material, weight and processing time. A high-gloss clear coat is also used, which, among other things, extends the service life of the colourful Condor stripes on our aircraft.
Noise reduction
By deploying our new fleet and utilizing the latest engine technology, we are cutting our noise emissions by approximately half. As part of our association memberships and regional initiatives, we are actively engaged and, as an example, trial noise-optimized approach and departure procedures together with air traffic control.
Efficient operational procedures
We regularly develop measures to enhance efficiency in our flight operations. As part of our Ops Efficiency initiatives, we employ special software solutions in the cockpit and for flight planning optimization so that we can fly as efficiently as possible. In addition, we rely on procedures such as single engine taxiing (i.e., taxiing on the apron with only one engine running) and prioritize the use of ground power where feasible. We achieve weight savings on board, for instance, by offering digital magazines. The installation of lighter seats and the use of light-weight trolleys also contribute.
Climate Contribution
We are actively supporting climate protection efforts: a significant milestone for Condor was the introduction of our climate contribution ancillary. Together with us, you are supporting three selected climate protection projects of our partner myclimate and the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on our flights. You can choose one of a total of eight climate packages when booking your flight.
More sustainable products on all routes
Even on board, our service is evolving in a more forward-thinking direction, for instance, by reducing waste through the introduction of glassware, porcelain, and metal cutlery in Business Class on short and medium-haul routes. In Economy Class, we contribute to reducing material and waste in the cabin by using compostable tableware from bioPap. Vegan and organic dishes are available on our flights. In our amenity kits, we prioritize sustainability in the packaging materials and raw materials of our hygiene products, and we also strive to regularly expand our in-flight sales range with sustainable products. We also offer FLY&HELP products, the proceeds of which go to charitable projects.
Collaboration with VeeCollective
Together with VeeCollective, we have designed a bag that is specially tailored to meet the needs of our crews. The Vee Tote, the fashion label's bestseller, was developed in an exclusive size for this purpose. When choosing the designer, we prioritized sustainability alongside design and durability. VeeCollective bags are made entirely from 100% recycled materials. From the fabric to the lining to the thread and zippers, everything is 100% recycled and vegan.
Find out more about our collaboration with VeeCollective here.
Sustainability engagement over the years
| 2009 | Installation of winglets on the Boeing fleet Aerodynamic winglets provide up to 5% fuel savings per aircraft. |
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| 2013 | Co-initiator of the BDL 4-liter campaign Through continuous improvements, Condor aircraft consumption reaches the milestone of less than 4 liters of fuel per 100 passenger kilometers. |
| 2017 | Award for sustainable engagement Awarded the distinction ‘very strong’ in the field of ‘Sustainable commitment’ by FOCUS and FOCUS Money. |
| 2021 | Digitization of the payroll system By digitizing its accounting system Condor saves significant resources annually. |
| 2022 | High-speed fleet rollover on long-haul flights By replacing the Boeing 767 fleet with modern and efficient Airbus A330neos, Condor is reducing fuel consumption on its long-haul fleet to less than 3 liters per 100 passenger kilometers. |
| 2023 | New paint system in use The new BaseCoat/ClearCoat system from the Hamburg-based company Mankiewicz requires less paint, thus saving material and weight and extending the service life of the livery. |
| 2024 | Port of Seattle Environmental Performance Award Condor received the Sustainability Award from Seattle Airport for its rapid transition to more efficient and quieter aircrafts. Associated partner in the InnoFuels network for regenerative fuels Condor represents the airlines' perspective in the steering committee of the aviation sector. The fiel is jointly managed with CENA and the DLR. 100-flights trial of the climate-neutral aviation working group of the German government Participation in trial flights to investigate the possibilities of harmful contrail prevention in cruise flight. Introduction of the Condor climate contribution By purchasing a climate contribution, you can support investments in climate protection projects and SAF, thereby addressing your CO2 emissions. Long-term partnership with start-up Caphenia Condor supports the development of a production process for manufacturing sustainable aviation fuels and secures future fixed quantities of the more eco-friendly fuel. Good progress in replacing the fleet on short/medium haul routes By the end of the year, eight brand-new aircraft from the A32Xneo family were integrated into the Condor fleet. |
| Ongoing efforts | Continuous assessment of additional technological innovations and efficiency measures |
| 2050 | Vision: CO2-neutral aviation Condor supports the Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry's climate protection master plan in aviation. |