Balancing performance and sustainability: The debate over charter flights vs. commercial airlines for sports teams

In the world of elite sport, sports team travel is an essential part of the game. Whether it’s a national team flying to an international tournament or a club heading to an away fixture, seamless logistics are crucial. However, the choice between charter flights for athletes and commercial airlines has become an increasingly debated topic, with performance and sustainability at the heart of the discussion.

The Case for Charter Flights in Sports Travel

Charter flights for athletes have long been the preferred choice for professional teams and federations. They offer unmatched flexibility, allowing teams to fly on tailored schedules that fit training and recovery needs. In high-stakes competitions, eliminating layovers and unnecessary travel disruptions can be the difference between winning and losing.

Additionally, charter flights provide enhanced privacy, security, and comfort, ensuring that athletes arrive at their destination well-rested and prepared. Premier League football clubs, international rugby squads, and Olympic teams frequently opt for chartered air travel to optimise performance and reduce logistical challenges.

The Sustainability Challenge

While charter flights offer significant benefits, their environmental impact is a growing concern. Private and chartered aircraft emit significantly more CO₂ per passenger than commercial airlines. With sustainable sports travel becoming a priority in sport, many clubs and governing bodies are under pressure to reassess their travel choices.

Recent reports indicate that over 85% of emissions from major sporting events stem from travel. High-profile leagues, including the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, have faced scrutiny for teams flying short-haul distances where alternative options exist. In response, sustainability initiatives, such as the Sustainable Travel Charter, are pushing for greener solutions within the industry.

The Shift Towards Sustainable Travel Solutions

Some teams are already taking proactive steps to mitigate their carbon footprint. This includes integrating commercial flights into their travel plans when feasible, prioritising rail or coach travel for short-haul distances, and investing in carbon offset for teams initiatives such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

For example, European football clubs have started collaborating with travel management companies that specialise in sustainable sports travel solutions. ATPI Sports Travel, for instance, works with sports organisations to develop tailored travel strategies that balance performance needs with environmental responsibility.

How ATPI Sports Travel Supports Teams

At ATPI Sports Travel, we recognise that balancing performance and sustainability is a key challenge for teams and federations. Through our dedicated sustainability solution, ATPI Halo, we help clients measure, reduce, and offset their carbon footprint while maintaining seamless travel operations.

Our expertise in sports team travel management allows us to create customised itineraries that prioritise efficiency without compromising environmental responsibility. Whether through optimised flight planning, alternative travel solutions, or investment in verified carbon offset programmes, we ensure that teams can focus on their performance while making meaningful strides towards sustainability.