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

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An aim to achieve a quantifiable outcome within a given time-frame, set by an institution such as a national government.

Policy instruments are techniques or tools used by governing authorities to promote certain policies in order to achieve predetermined goals. Put simply, instruments are how a government tries to achieve its goals, with this taxonomy being focused on national policy instruments.

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Renewable energy means all forms of energy produced from renewable sources in a sustainable manner.

Fossil fuel is a generic term for non-renewable energy sources such as coal, fossil gas, and oil (including crude oil, and petroleum products), that can be used for electricity and heat generation. Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons formed from pressurised and heated organic material buried over millions of years.

Molecules in the atmosphere that play a key role in the greenhouse effect by trapping heat radiating from Earth’s surface.

Area of the economy in which actors engage in identical or related activities.

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A long-lived, colourless gas, chiefly emitted from fossil fuel combustion, deforestation and cement production.

Actions to reduce emissions in energy generation and supply.

Energy derived from biological compounds that are renewable due to their short life cycle within the carbon dioxide cycle.

Production of electricity and heat from solar irradiation.

Kinetic energy of airflow transformed into useful energy, mostly electrical energy.

Oil is a combustible liquid fossil fuel composed mainly of hydrocarbons, occurring as crude oil and refined into petroleum products such as petrol, diesel and kerosene.

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.

This sector involves activities that impart knowledge and skills to individuals, including formal schooling, vocational training and educational support.

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

Policy instrument

Renewable energy

Fossil fuel

Greenhouse gas

Economic sector

Adaptation/resilience

Finance