The global representative body for the airline industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and software enterprise Chooose, have entered an agreement that will expand market access to IATA CO2 Connect carbon emissions data. IATA CO2 Connect is aligned with the IATA RP 1726 and ISO 14083 standards and is based on real operational data from more than 70 airlines. The agreement means that Chooose can now directly provide the IATA data to its customers, who are corporate and consumer travellers.

“IATA CO2 Connect is the only carbon calculator for travel emissions that is based on airline operational data,” highlighted IATA senior VP commercial products and services Frederic Leger. “We want IATA CO2 Connect data to be as broadly available as possible so that those who are managing travel can do their work with the most accurate information. Working with Chooose is a key part of that strategy.”

Chooose is a member of the IATA Strategic Partnerships Programme. Its contributions to the programme include improving standards and assisting decarbonisation initiatives across the industry.

“For years, Chooose has supported airlines, cargo, and travel companies with flexible access to emissions estimates to enable their SAF [sustainable aviation fuel] programmes and customer-facing applications,” pointed out Chooose CEO Joseph Beaudin. “The addition of IATA CO2 Connect gives our partners access to an IATA dataset that continuously improves as more airlines report operational inputs and SAF usage.”

In April last year, IATA conducted research that showed that 40% of travellers regularly check their flight-related carbon emissions. This is particularly so with business travellers. Chooose, through its platform, will now be able to assist both its airline and corporate customers both meet this demand for emissions information and to facilitate more informed decision-making. Further, the software company’s global airline partners, which number more than 30, will have the option of including IATA CO2 Connect carbon emissions data into their own emissions calculations.