Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways has been recognised as the world’s most emission-efficient large carrier, according to the recently released 2025 EmeraldSky Annual Review by Cirium, reinforcing the carrier’s strong performance in operational efficiency and sustainability.
The airline secured the top position globally when ranked by available seat kilometres (ASK), a key aviation metric used to measure airline capacity and efficiency.
The ranking places Qatar Airways ahead of competitors such as Ryanair and Turkish Airlines, which were also recognised among the top three globally.
Cirium’s EmeraldSky Annual Review evaluates the environmental performance of the world’s 100 largest airlines based on carbon dioxide emissions per available seat kilometre. This methodology provides a standardised benchmark, enabling comparison across airlines regardless of fleet size or route network.
Available seat kilometres (ASK) is widely regarded as a critical industry indicator, calculated by multiplying the number of seats available on a flight by the distance travelled. By assessing emissions relative to this metric, the ranking reflects how efficiently airlines utilise capacity while minimising environmental impact.
According to the report, Qatar Airways achieved an emissions intensity of approximately 60 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre, one of the lowest figures among the world’s largest airlines. This performance highlights the airline’s ability to balance long-haul operations with fuel efficiency, a combination that remains challenging for many global carriers.
The airline’s operational model plays a central role in its efficiency. With an average flight distance exceeding 4,200 kilometres, Qatar Airways operates one of the most extensive long-haul networks globally. Despite this, its relatively modern fleet, averaging just over a decade in age, supports reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Industry experts note that emissions efficiency is largely driven by factors within an airline’s control, including fleet composition, seat density and route optimisation. Airlines that invest in newer aircraft and optimise operations tend to outperform peers in sustainability rankings.
Qatar Airways has pursued a strategy focused on incremental efficiency gains, including the adoption of next-generation aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. These aircraft are designed to deliver lower fuel burn and reduced emissions compared to older models. In parallel, the airline has implemented more than 80 fuel-saving initiatives, ranging from route optimisation to weight reduction measures.
The airline has also committed to broader sustainability goals, including increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and aligning with the global aviation industry’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Cirium’s findings further highlight a broader trend within the aviation sector: airlines with younger fleets and higher seat density tend to dominate efficiency rankings. Low-cost carriers, in particular, often lead due to their high-capacity configurations and streamlined operations.
However, the inclusion of Qatar Airways among the top performers underscores the progress made by full-service, long-haul carriers in closing the efficiency gap. Through fleet renewal and operational improvements, such airlines are increasingly able to compete with low-cost operators on emissions performance.
Globally, Singapore-based Scoot was named the most emissions-efficient airline overall in the 2025 review, marking a shift in leadership within the industry. Nevertheless, Qatar Airways’ top ranking by ASK highlights its scale and efficiency among the world’s largest carriers. The recognition adds to a series of recent accolades for Qatar Airways, reflecting its continued focus on operational excellence, environmental responsibility and innovation in air transport. As the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, rankings such as Cirium’s EmeraldSky review are becoming increasingly significant.
