Route Development
Salvador Bahia Airport First in Americas to Achieve ACA Level 5 Carbon Certification
Salvador Bahia Airport reaches highest airport carbon management level, cutting emissions 90% and targeting net-zero Scope 3 by 2050.
A New Benchmark in Aviation: Salvador Bahia Airport’s Landmark Achievement
In the ongoing global conversation about climate action, the aviation industry often finds itself under a microscope. It’s a sector widely recognized as difficult to decarbonize, yet one that is critical to the global economy. Against this backdrop, a significant milestone has been set on the American continent. On November 13, 2025, during the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil, VINCI Airports announced that Salvador Bahia Airport has become the first in the Americas to achieve Level 5 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program. This isn’t just another certificate; it represents the highest, most stringent level of carbon management and reduction recognized in the airport industry.
This achievement places Salvador Bahia in an elite global group and marks a pivotal moment for sustainable aviation in the Western Hemisphere. It moves beyond the concept of simple carbon neutrality, which can often rely heavily on offsetting emissions. Level 5 certification demands a demonstrated commitment to absolute emission reductions and a comprehensive strategy for the future. As we unpack what this means, it becomes clear that this is more than a local success story; it’s a potential blueprint for how airports worldwide can transition from ambitious targets to tangible, verifiable results.
The timing of the announcement, coinciding with COP30, underscores its importance. It serves as a powerful statement to the international community that meaningful decarbonization within the transportation sector is not just possible, but is actively happening. For Brazil, it showcases leadership in environmental stewardship, while for VINCI Airports, it validates a long-term, action-oriented environmental strategy that is now bearing fruit on a global scale.
Deconstructing the Milestone: What ACA Level 5 Truly Means
To grasp the full weight of this accomplishment, we must first understand the framework it sits within. The Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) is the sole globally recognized carbon management certification for airports, administered by the Airports Council International (ACI). It provides a structured pathway for airports to manage and reduce their carbon footprint, progressing through various levels of accreditation. Level 5 is the pinnacle of this program, designed to align the industry with the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement and global net-zero commitments.
The Rigors of Level 5
Achieving Level 5 is fundamentally different from earlier stages of carbon management. It requires an airport to have already reached and maintained net-zero carbon emissions for its direct operations. These are categorized as Scope 1 emissions (from sources owned or controlled by the airport, like its vehicle fleet) and Scope 2 emissions (from the purchase of electricity, steam, heating, and cooling). The standard is uncompromising: an airport must demonstrate a reduction of at least 90% in these absolute emissions, with only the residual amount being addressed through credible carbon removal projects.
Furthermore, the certification extends beyond an airport’s direct control. A critical component of Level 5 is the commitment to tackling Scope 3 emissions. These are all other indirect emissions that occur from activities at the airport, such as those from airlines’ landing and take-off cycles, ground handling services, and passenger transportation to and from the airport. To be certified, Salvador Bahia had to present a clear and robust plan to achieve net-zero for these Scope 3 emissions by 2050, demonstrating a holistic approach to decarbonizing the entire airport ecosystem.
This comprehensive requirement is what sets Level 5 apart. It signifies a shift from merely managing an airport’s own carbon footprint to influencing and leading the broader aviation community toward a sustainable future. It’s a commitment to systemic change, not just operational tweaks.
“This milestone marks a major step forward on the American continent in the decarbonisation of our airport activities and aviation as a whole. It reflects the outstanding commitment of our teams and our determination to take decisive action across our airports worldwide.”, Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of Concessions at VINCI and President of VINCI Airports
The Blueprint in Action: How Salvador Bahia Achieved Net-Zero
Setting ambitious goals is one thing; executing a strategy to meet them is another. Salvador Bahia Airport, under the operation of VINCI Airports since 2018, implemented a series of concrete, high-impact initiatives to systematically reduce its carbon footprint. This wasn’t a single project but a multi-faceted approach that addressed energy consumption, operational efficiency, and stakeholder collaboration.
Harnessing Renewable Energy
A cornerstone of the airport’s strategy was a decisive shift to clean energy. Two large-scale photovoltaic plants were installed on-site, with a total capacity of 6 MWp. This solar farm now supplies 100% of the renewable energy required for the airport’s own operations. The impact extends even further, as the clean energy generated also powers third-party cargo facilities, demonstrating a commitment to greening the entire airport complex. By ensuring all tenants also use 100% renewable energy, the airport has effectively eliminated its Scope 2 emissions.
Operational Overhaul and Electrification
Beyond clean energy generation, the airport undertook a thorough review of its ground operations. Gas-powered equipment, a significant source of Scope 1 emissions, was systematically replaced with electric alternatives, particularly in high-consumption areas like tenant restaurants. The airport’s own vehicle fleet was also converted to run on either electricity or biofuels, further reducing direct emissions. This focus on electrification and sustainable fuels was critical to achieving the steep 90% reduction in absolute emissions required for Level 5.
Addressing Residual Emissions and Engaging Partners
No operation can eliminate 100% of its emissions overnight. For the small fraction of residual emissions that remain, Salvador Bahia Airport has invested in certified carbon sequestration projects. This includes supporting a 3,879-hectare reforestation initiative in Brazil’s Corumbá region. This project not only helps balance the airport’s carbon ledger but also delivers tangible socio-economic benefits by creating local jobs. Crucially, the airport maintains an ongoing dialogue with all its partners and stakeholders, from airlines to ground handlers, to promote joint action and foster a collective sense of responsibility for reducing Scope 3 emissions.
Conclusion: A New Standard for the Industry
Salvador Bahia Airport’s ACA Level 5 certification is more than just a “first.” It is a powerful case study demonstrating that with strategic investment, operational commitment, and a clear vision, achieving net-zero in direct airport operations is an attainable goal. It effectively raises the bar for the entire aviation industry, particularly in the Americas, proving that private sector management of public infrastructure can drive ambitious environmental progress. The specific actions taken, from building a solar farm to electrifying fleets, provide a tangible roadmap for other airports to follow.
Looking ahead, this achievement will likely accelerate the decarbonization efforts of other airports. As pressure mounts from regulators, investors, and the public, having a real-world example of success is invaluable. Salvador Bahia’s milestone is a clear signal that the future of aviation must be sustainable, and it has provided a credible, verifiable blueprint for how to get there. It is a story of commitment not just to a target, but to the deep, systemic changes required to build a truly net-zero industry.
FAQ
Question: What is the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program?
Answer: It is the only globally recognized carbon management certification program for airports. Administered by Airports Council International (ACI), it independently assesses and recognizes airports’ efforts to manage and reduce their CO2 emissions through a structured, multi-level framework.
Question: What makes ACA Level 5 so difficult to achieve?
Answer: Level 5 is the highest tier and requires an airport to have achieved and maintained net-zero emissions for its direct operations (Scopes 1 and 2), with at least a 90% absolute reduction. It also demands a comprehensive plan and commitment to achieving net-zero for all indirect (Scope 3) emissions by 2050.
Question: What are Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions?
Answer: Scope 1 covers direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the airport (e.g., airport-owned vehicles). Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions from airport-related activities, such as airline operations, ground handling, and passenger travel to the airport.
Sources: VINCI Airports Newsroom
Photo Credit: Vinci Airports
Route Development
MET Terminal Opens at YHU Montreal Metropolitan Airport
Montreal Metropolitan Airport’s new MET terminal opened June 15, 2026, with Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation as launch carriers.
The new MET terminal at Montreal Metropolitan Airport (YHU) officially opened for commercial passenger flights on June 15, 2026, reintroducing scheduled Airlines service to the Longueuil site for the first time since 1940.
In a press release issued to mark the opening, airport officials highlighted the facility’s role as a second major commercial hub for the Greater Montreal area. The 21,000-square-meter terminal is designed to ease congestion at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and improve regional connectivity, supported by launch carriers Porter Airlines and Pascan Aviation.
Terminal specifications and launch operations
The newly constructed terminal features nine boarding bridges and a passenger waiting lounge with 900 seats. YHU Infrastructure Partners, a joint venture between Porter Aviation Holdings Inc. and Macquarie Asset Management, spearheaded the development.
Charles Roberge, President and CEO of YHU Terminal, stated that the project aims to create a simpler and smoother customer experience. Porter Airlines is utilizing the facility to launch 11 new routes, deploying its fleet of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft to bypass congested primary hubs. Porter Airlines CEO Michael Deluce noted that increased air service brings more trade and tourism opportunities to the region.
Pascan Aviation is also expanding its regional footprint at the Airports. Yani Gagnon, Co-owner and Executive Vice President of Pascan Aviation, indicated that the new terminal and a commercial agreement with Porter Airlines will allow the carrier to offer more flight options to regional travelers.
Historical context and labor disputes
The Saint-Hubert site originally opened in 1927 as Montreal’s primary aviation hub before commercial passenger operations shifted to Dorval in 1940. Construction on the new MET terminal began in August 2023. According to Simon-Pierre Diamond, Interim President of MET, a recent poll indicates that 80 percent of the population on Montreal’s South Shore supports the airport project.
The opening day was marked by a labor dispute involving one of the launch carriers. Flight attendants for Pascan Aviation, represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 5490, have been on strike since March 27, 2026. Striking workers picketed at the airport on June 15. CUPE-Quebec President Patrick Gloutney stated that the union is seeking a second collective agreement to secure better working conditions, alleging that Pascan Aviation is utilizing replacement workers during the strike.
AirPro News analysis
We view the opening of the MET terminal as a significant validation of Porter Airlines’ broader network Strategy. By investing in secondary airport infrastructure, Porter is replicating the model it successfully established at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). This approach allows the carrier to offer passengers an alternative to the congestion and longer processing times typical of major international hubs. However, the ongoing labor dispute at Pascan Aviation presents an immediate operational friction point for the regional connectivity model the new terminal aims to foster. The success of this secondary hub will depend heavily on seamless integration between mainline and regional partners.
Sources: MET
Photo Credit: MET
Route Development
JFK New Terminal One ESG Report: Microgrid and Solar Array
JFK’s New Terminal One releases its first ESG report, detailing a 12-MW microgrid and the largest rooftop solar array on any U.S. airport terminal.
The consortium behind The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) published its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report on June 11, 2026, detailing the integration of a 12-megawatt microgrid and the largest rooftop solar array on any United States airport terminal.
Released in partnership with Manufacturers Schneider Electric and AlphaStruxure, the report outlines the facility’s energy resilience strategy. The terminal is a central component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) $19 billion airport-wide redevelopment program. According to the official press release, the project relies heavily on sustainable infrastructure financing, supported by more than $3.9 billion in green bonds issued across 2024 and 2025.
Microgrid and energy resilience
The terminal’s energy strategy centers on a 12-megawatt microgrid delivered by AlphaStruxure, a joint venture between Schneider Electric and The Carlyle Group. The system is provided under an Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) model. This structure allows the terminal operators to secure long-term energy cost predictability without upfront capital expenditure.
The microgrid incorporates 13,000 rooftop solar panels, six onsite fuel cells, and a backup battery storage system. This infrastructure is designed to maintain terminal operations during regional grid disruptions and extreme weather events. Industry reporting from Facilities Dive indicates the microgrid will enable the terminal to meet 50% of its projected energy demand for the year 2050.
Chris Collins, Senior Vice President of Digital Buildings at Schneider Electric, stated that the terminal demonstrates how advancing energy technologies can help large-scale infrastructure reduce environmental impact and enhance operational reliability.
Terminal scale and phased opening
The New Terminal One represents a $9.5 billion investment within the broader JFK redevelopment. The facility spans a 134-acre footprint and will encompass 2.6 million square feet upon full completion. The terminal is designed to serve 23 million passengers annually.
The first phase of the terminal is scheduled to open in 2026. This initial phase includes new arrivals and departures facilities along with an initial 14 gates. When fully completed, the terminal will feature 23 gates.
“As we build a transformational international travel experience in the United States, Sustainability and resilience are not add-ons; they are foundational,” said Uzoamaka N. Okoye, Chief of Staff for The New Terminal One at JFK.
Alignment with Port Authority targets
The sustainability initiatives detailed in the ESG report align with broader regional environmental goals. The PANYNJ has established targets to achieve 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040 and reach net-zero emissions across its facilities by 2050.
The integration of Schneider Electric EcoStruxure software will manage the complex energy inputs and outputs of the microgrid. This digital management system is intended to optimize efficiency as the terminal scales up operations over the coming decades.
AirPro News analysis
The reliance on an Energy-as-a-Service model for the New Terminal One microgrid highlights a shifting approach to airport infrastructure funding. By transferring the capital expenditure of a 12-megawatt power system to a joint venture like AlphaStruxure, airport developers can integrate advanced resilience features, such as fuel cells and extensive solar arrays, without inflating the initial construction budget. As extreme weather events increasingly threaten regional power grids, we expect to see more tier-one international hubs adopt decentralized microgrids to ensure continuous operations and protect revenue streams during wider outages.
Sources: Schneider Electric
Photo Credit: Schneider Electric
Route Development
Southwest Airlines and Singapore Airlines Launch Interline Partnership
Southwest Airlines and Singapore Airlines announced an interline agreement on June 8, 2026, linking networks via LAX, SEA, and SFO.
Southwest Airlines Co. and Singapore Airlines announced an interline partnership on June 8, 2026, enabling single-ticket travel across their respective networks through three shared United States gateway airports.
The agreement, detailed in a press release issued during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marks Singapore Airlines as the eighth overseas carrier to join Southwest’s partnership portfolio. The arrangement connects Southwest’s domestic footprint with the SIA Group’s global reach, which encompasses more than 130 destinations across 35 countries and territories.
Network integration and gateway operations
The interline agreement facilitates passenger connections at Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle/Tacoma (SEA), and San Francisco (SFO). International travelers arriving on Singapore Airlines flights can transfer to nearly 120 airports within the Southwest network on a single booking, while U.S. travelers gain streamlined access to the SIA network.
Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson stated that the partnerships connects new geographies while maintaining high service standards for passengers transferring between the two carriers.
“Singapore Airlines becomes the eighth carrier in our partnership portfolio exemplified by its quality and reach. These carriers are facilitating access to our network for a growing global audience drawn to our improved onboard product and increasingly choosing to fly with us,” Watterson said.
Southwest’s 2026 product and route expansion
The partnership aligns with broader changes to the Southwest passenger experience implemented earlier in 2026. The carrier recently transitioned away from its traditional open-seating model, introducing assigned seating, optional extra legroom, and an updated boarding process designed to appeal to a wider demographic of travelers.
Alongside the cabin product updates, Southwest expanded its route map in 2026 by initiating service to five new destinations. The network additions include St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, Santa Rosa/Sonoma County in California, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Anchorage, Alaska.
AirPro News analysis
We view this interline agreement as a strategic utilization of Southwest’s dense domestic network to capture international inbound traffic without the capital expenditure of operating long-haul widebody aircraft. By linking with a premium global carrier like Singapore Airlines at key West Coast hubs, Southwest can feed its domestic flights with high-yield international connecting passengers. The recent shift to assigned seating and premium legroom options likely makes Southwest a more palatable connecting partner for international travelers accustomed to traditional legacy carrier products, smoothing the passenger experience between a long-haul international flight and a domestic connection.
Sources: Southwest Airlines
Photo Credit: Southwest Airlines
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