Sustainable development
Croatia Airlines, the national air carrier of the Republic of Croatia, began its development in the year 1991 with very limited funds. The company has over the period of time changed its organizational structure a couple of times, the aircraft fleet with old technology was replaced by new, state-of-the-art aircraft, young staff have received training, work procedures have been established, the company has strengthened its market position.
- Corporate Social Responisibility
- Environmental protection
The process of joining the EU, the company's membership in international airline associations and alliances have encouraged its growth and the programme for implementation of the sustainable development.
Croatia Airlines continuously implements measures aimed at increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past few years, these efforts have been visible through the modernization of the fleet with the introduction of the new generation Airbus A220 aircraft, as well as through the digitalization of operational and support processes on board. These technological changes directly contribute to reducing fuel consumption, CO2 emissions, and noise levels per passenger kilometer, thereby supporting the goals of the Sustainable Tourism Development Strategy in the Republic of Croatia.
As part of its strategy to reduce environmental impact in ground operations, Croatia Airlines uses the HEP ZelEn product. This certificate confirms that the electricity required for the company's supporting facilities is obtained entirely from renewable sources (HEP hydroelectric power plants). All funds collected by HEP Opskrba through the sale of the ZelEn product are directed into a dedicated Fund. This fund finances renewable energy and energy efficiency projects for public sector institutions, such as kindergartens, schools, and care homes. By using the ZelEn product, Croatia Airlines reduces its carbon footprint in the ground-based electricity consumption segment (Scope 2), making a measurable contribution to the transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a term for all aviation fuels that, unlike conventional kerosene, can be made from many different sustainably sourced materials, such as used cooking oil, biomass waste and residues, and renewable energy and carbon. SAF significantly reduce lifecycle carbon emissions, typically by around 80% compared to conventional aviation fuel. It can be blended with conventional aviation fuel and readily used without requiring any modifications to aircraft or airport infrastructure.
The EU has decided on mandatory SAF blending quotas that will increase over the years until 2050. Since the beginning of 2025, kerosene refueled at EU airports must contain 2% Sustainable Aviation Fuel. This SAF obligation applies to fuel suppliers, not directly to airlines.
Co-funded by the EU Emissions Trading System – Croatia Airlines d.d. received 594,342.42 EUR in 2026 to support eligible SAF use.
