Hi Fly proudly celebrates seven years since operating the world’s first single-use plastic-free flights, a defining milestone in aviation sustainability that helped set a new global standard and continues to influence industry practices today.
In December 2018, Hi Fly pioneered the first commercial passenger flight operated without a single single-use plastic item on board. This groundbreaking initiative demonstrated that meaningful environmental action in aviation is both achievable and impactful, even within the operational complexity of long-haul flights. The success of this first initiative led to a formal commitment to eliminate single-use plastic across all Hi Fly flights — a pledge fully realised from 1 January 2020 and consistently upheld ever since.
Seven years on, Hi Fly’s long-term commitment to sustainability continues to deliver measurable environmental benefits. By replacing conventional plastic cutlery, cups, packaging and other disposable items with bamboo, compostable and recycled alternatives, Hi Fly has significantly reduced waste generated during its operations.
On average, a long-haul flight can eliminate around 100 kg of single-use plastic, preventing substantial amounts of plastic from entering global waste streams and supporting broader efforts to protect the planet.
This anniversary is illustrated by a video of a single-use plastic-free flight operated this month, demonstrating that what began as an industry-first initiative has become an established operational reality. The flight, operated between Lisbon, Portugal, and Recife, Brazil, shows that sustainability commitments made years ago continue to be actively implemented today, across long-haul operations.
Hi Fly continues to lead by example, integrating environmentally responsible practices into its daily operations while collaborating with partners and engaging with wider industry initiatives focused on reducing waste, mitigating environmental impact and promoting more sustainable aviation. Seven years after its first plastic-free flight, Hi Fly remains firmly committed to driving lasting change through action, consistency and leadership.
