ConTribute
Our Environment: Environmental projects at Condor
As an airline, we are aware of our responsibility. That is why we are continuously working to reduce emissions and use resources efficiently. To this end, we rely among other things on the latest fleet technology, sustainable aviation fuels (Sustainable Aviation Fuel – SAF), optimized operational processes, and carefully selected product offers.
In addition, we offer our guests the opportunity to choose one of our three SAF customer offers as part of their flight booking and thereby support the future use of SAF beyond statutory requirements as well as selected climate protection projects worldwide.
Investments in new airplanes
Condor supports the aviation industry's goal of reducing CO₂ emissions in the long term. An important part of this is the renewal of the fleet. The conversion of the entire long-haul fleet was completed within just two years.
Since March 2024, only brand-new Airbus A330neo aircraft have been deployed on Condor's long-haul routes. Since then, modernization efforts have continued on short/medium haul routes with 43 Airbus orders for A32Xneo crafts.
Since 2023, the Base Coat / Clear Coat system from the Hamburg-based company Mankiewicz has introduced a new coating system that offers several environmental advantages for aircraft painting. It consists of a highly pigmented base coat that requires less paint, thereby saving material, weight, and processing time. Additionally, a high-gloss clear coat is applied, which, among other benefits, prolongs the lifespan of the colorful 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 at least 40%*, compared to previous Condor models. As part of our association memberships and regional initiatives, we are also actively involved and, for example, are testing procedures to reduce noise pollution during approach and departure together with air traffic control.
*A330neo vs. B767: -40%; A321neo vs. B757: -50%; Comparison based on cumulative sound energy for ICAO measurement points based on EASA Records/Noise Certificates.
Optimisation of operational procedures
We continuously develop measures to enhance efficiency in operational flight activities. As part of our so-called Ops Efficiency activities, we use special software solutions in the cockpit and for timetable 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, installing lighter seats and using lighter trolleys and cargo containers.
Introduction of the climate contribution
A significant milestone for Condor was the introduction of our Climate Contribution in July 2024. By doing so, you are joining us in supporting three selected climate protection projects by our partner myclimate, as well as the future use of sustainable aviation fuels (Sustainable Aviation Fuel - SAF) on our flights. You can choose one of a total of eight climate packages when booking your Condor or Marabu flight.
Customers have the opportunity to contribute to future potential CO₂ savings with the Choice Fare. Anyone booking Economy Choice, Premium Choice, or Business Choice fares makes a contribution that is allocated proportionally to the promotion of two selected climate protection projects by our cooperation partner myclimate and to increasing the future use of SAF on Condor flights.
With Round up for the future, you have had the option to voluntarily round up the total price of your flight since June 2025. The difference amount will be fully invested in the future use of SAF, which exceeds the statutory requirements already in place.
Developments in the on-board product
From catering and equipment to eJournal, Condor rethinks the materials used in all areas and reviews processes with the aim of using less single-use plastic and conserving resources.
A good example of this is bamboo cutlery or metal and the beverage cups made of recycled PET. On many of our flights, you can pre-order delicious vegetarian, vegan or organic dishes. Through targeted analyses and appropriate management, we at Condor do everything we can to predict the demand for meals for each flight as accurately as possible in order to avoid overloading.
If there is still food left over, our Last-Offer-Angebot comes into play: On the last flight of the day, we offer fresh baked goods and meals at reduced prices, when available. In 2024, over 11 tonnes of food – equivalent to 87,000 meals – were utilized.
In our amenity kits, we pay attention to both packaging materials and the raw materials used for the hygiene products. We also try to regularly expand our range in in-flight sales to include selected products made from alternative materials.
In addition, we offer FLY&HELP products there, a portion of the proceeds of which is donated to educational projects in developing countries.
Partnerships with selected manufacturers
Collaboration with VeeCollective: Together with the fashion label VeeCollective, we have developed a bag that is specially tailored to meet the needs of our crews. The Vee Tote – the label's bestseller – has been reissued in an exclusive size and is made entirely from 100% recycled, vegan materials – from the fabric and lining to the thread and zippers.
Collaboration with Coffeecycle: Handmade entirely in Germany, the Condor coffee soap from Coffeecycle blends modern upcycling with traditional soap craftsmanship. Reused espresso coffee grounds create a gentle exfoliating effect, and essential orange oil imparts a fresh scent that evokes sunny destinations.
This results in everyday products that combine design, functionality, and environmental awareness.
Find out more about our collaboration with VeeCollective here.
Measures over the years
| 2009 | Installation of winglets on the Boeing fleet Aerodynamic winglets provide up to 5% fuel savings per aircraft. |
|---|---|
| 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. Involvement in the German Government's SAF working group Condor has been a member of the German Government's SAF working group since 2024. The goal is to foster dialogue on SAF among various stakeholders and develop policy recommendations together. |
| 2025 | Introduction of today's Choice Fare World's first eMPL course with electric aircraft completed In 2025, Condor flight students completed the world's first eMPL course as part of their ab-initio pilot training (CAP) at TFC Käufer flight school in Germany. Prospective pilots are trained on both conventional and electric aircraft. Collaboration with INERATEC Condor has been involved in the INERATEC Customer Advisory Board (CAB) since spring 2025. By providing insights into market trends, production requirements, and regulatory challenges, members help INERATEC scale its e-SAF technology to advance industry-wide decarbonization efforts. Round up for the future – Customer contributions toward SAF With Round up for the future, customers have the opportunity to voluntarily round up the total price of their Condor flight. The difference will be fully invested in using SAF in future, beyond what is already required by law. Good progress in replacing the fleet on short/medium haul routes As of May 2025, nine brand-new aircraft from the A32Xneo family have been welcomed into the Condor fleet. |
| Ongoing efforts | Continuous assessment of additional technological innovations and efficiency measures |
Frequently asked questions
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
SAF is an umbrella term for alternative aviation fuels that are produced without the use of fossil raw materials such as petroleum and have a CO₂ footprint reduced by up to 80% compared to conventional kerosene. They are blended with conventional fossil kerosene. Alternative fuels are an important building block for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in aviation while using the existing aircraft fleet and infrastructure.
Find out how you can contribute to the percentage increase in the use of SAF with the Condor Choice Fare, find out here.
What options do I have as a passenger to make the future of aviation more sustainable?
Condor offers several options for passengers who want to contribute to the reduction of emissions in aviation:
- With the Climate Contribution, you can choose one of eight “climate packages” when booking your flight. In doing so, you will be contributing to selected sustainability projects and the future use of more SAF on Condor flights.
- The Choice Fare also allows you to contribute to additional SAF on Condor flights and certified climate projects with your booking.
- With the “Round up for the future” option, you can voluntarily round up the fare for your Condor or Marabu flight – 100% of the amount will go towards additional SAF use at Condor.
All contributions are used solely for these purposes and are completely voluntary. The SAF acquired from these contributions exceeds the legally mandated amounts, thereby enabling an additional contribution to the future reduction of kerosene-related emissions in aviation.
How can I book the Choice Fare with Condor
You can select the Choice Fare directly when booking your flight on the Condor website. Alternatively, you can change the fare later in "My trip". You can also select the Choice Fare if you book your flight with a travel agency.
How does Condor use the contribution I make as part of the Choice Fare?
The contribution is divided proportionally:
- For short- and medium-haul flights, approximately 80% goes to certified sustainability projects and approximately 20% to the use of additional SAF.
- For long-haul flights, approximately 90% goes to sustainability projects and approximately 10% to additional SAF.
The amount of the contribution to climate protection projects and the use of additional SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is based on the flight-specific kerosene-related CO₂ emissions generated in the travel class booked for your flight. The basis for calculating these emission-related values is the IATA standard RP 1726, which relies on historical flight data. You can find more information on calculating the future CO₂ savings potential and sustainable aviation fuel here.
How does “Round up for the future” work at Condor?
During the flight booking process, you can voluntarily round up the total price of your flight. After entering your flight details and passenger information, the option will appear on the payment overview. With one click, you confirm that you would like to support the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) – then choose whether you would like to round up to the nearest €10, €20, €50, or €100 amount..