Brussels Airlines scores below average in airline pollution study

Brussels Airlines is one of the most polluting airlines in the world, coming 84th out of 125 in a new ranking.

German environmental association Atmosfair's annual index is based on airlines' CO² emissions, types of aircraft used and load factor.

According to the study, Brussels Airlines does not use its aircraft efficiently enough. "Airlines which achieve the best results are those using modern equipment, having high seating density and high rates of passenger occupancy and load utilisation," Atmosfair said.

British company TUI Airways was named the world's most environmentally friendly airline. "It flies consistently with highly efficient aircraft," the study said. "Combined with very high occupancy rates, TUI Airways scores winning points."

Low-cost airlines were not included in the overall ranking because the report's authors did not think a fair comparison could be made.

While budget airlines are usually highly efficient, many of them fly to regional airports, requiring passengers to make further onward travel to their destination. Low-cost providers also frequently receive subsidies to operate routes which might not otherwise have been profitable, thus increasing CO² emissions.