In September 2023, the Association for Consumer Protection (VKI) filed a civil lawsuit against Austrian Airlines regarding misinformation in their advertising campaign. Austrian Airlines made a Twitter post advertising a carbon-neutral flight to Venice made possible by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The court findings found that the percentage of SAF used on the flight was significantly lower than the amount necessary to reduce emissions by 80%. Moreover, the SAF was added only if ticket holders paid an overcharge on their fees, which was not mentioned in the advertisement.

The regional Court of Korneuburg sided with VKI and determined that Austrian Airlines’ advertisements were misleading. 


Association for Consumer Protection v. Austrian Airlines (Greenwashing)

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Association for Consumer Protection v. Austrian Airlines (Greenwashing) - decision

Filed

Austria

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Any compulsory, unrequited payment to the government levied on corporations or individuals. This can be for environmental reasons, such as introducing a Carbon tax to set a price that emitters must pay for the greenhouse gases they emit.

The activities of industries involved in the production, distribution, and sale of energy, including electricity, gas, and renewables.

Activities that involve planning, designing and building infrastructure, residential, and commercial structures.

This sector involves activities to move goods and people, alongside the storage of products.

This sector creates and distributes information and entertainment through television, radio, print, and digital platforms.

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Association for Consumer Protection v. Austrian Airlines (Greenwashing) - decision

Policy instrument

Renewable energy

Fossil fuel

Greenhouse gas

Economic sector

Adaptation/resilience

Finance