Flix: Setting the ESG Standard in Sustainable Coach Travel
Coaches have a lower carbon footprint per passenger compared to other modes of transport like cars and airplanes – coaches emit 0.03 kg of CO₂ per passenger-kilometer, while cars emit 0.11 kg.
One company lowering its carbon output even further is Flix, the global travel-tech leader behind FlixBus and FlixTrain.
Flix’s 2024 ESG Report is reinforcing its commitment to responsible growth and sustainable long-distance mobility.
The report outlines the company’s ESG initiatives and offers a transparent look at both its achievements and areas for improvement.
Avoiding emissions and driving decarbonisation
In 2024, Flix customers collectively avoided 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ by choosing its services over more polluting alternatives like private cars and planes.
With nearly 90 coaches powered by alternative drives and fuels now on the road, Flix continues to explore scalable clean energy solutions.
Alternative drive projects include electric buses in Europe and Latin America, bio-LNG fleets and diesel buses refuelled with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in France and Italy.
- bio-LNG is a renewable, liquified form of natural gas (LNG) derived from renewable sources like organic waste and biomass.
Flix has set ambitious, science-based targets, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The company is aiming to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 54.6% by 2032.
To narrow emission reduction further, the company is aiming to cut Scope 3 emissions by 40.9% per passenger-kilometer over the same period.
Despite a slight increase in emissions intensity (29.4g CO₂e per passenger-kilometre between 2023 and 2024), largely due to load factor variations and new market entries, the company is investing in technology and partnerships to accelerate its decarbonisation journey.
Responsible governance and data transparency
Governance around ESG has been bolstered through Flix’s dedicated ESG Steering Committee and integration of ESG KPIs into the company’s management incentive plans.
ESG performance is reviewed quarterly by the Audit Committee, demonstrating an institutional commitment to progress tracking.
“As Flix continues to grow, it’s essential that we grow responsibly. This report is part of how we hold ourselves accountable—not just to regulators or partners, but to every person who travels with us or works with us. It is also a tool to evaluate where we stand and where we need to do better,” says André Schwämmlein, CEO of Flix.
Social inclusion and engagement
Flix employs nearly 5,600 people across 106 countries, with 20% of top management positions held by women.
Employee satisfaction remains strong, with a Net Promoter Score (a customer loyalty metric) of 37, 13 points above the tech industry benchmark.
The company’s Safety Management System spans all operations, with a low injury rate among bus drivers and crew (0.27 per million driven kilometres).
DEI efforts are embedded across recruitment, leadership development and employee-led resource groups.
Additionally, Flix’s global reach has enabled social impact through affordable travel access to underserved communities, particularly in rural regions.
Local CSR initiatives range from supporting Ukrainian refugees to diversity training programmes for drivers in Brazil.
Flix’s strategy is firmly rooted in creating long-term value while reducing its footprint.
"We are committed to transforming long-distance travel globally,” comments André.
“With 11 years of experience as a global travel-tech company reshaping the sector with a steady vision, we aim to be a driving force towards a sustainable future.
“Sustainability will remain the guiding principle along this path, with focus on safeguarding the environment and creating value for our stakeholders and the communities we serve."
As it continues to scale, Flix positions itself as more than a mobility provider, aiming to be a model for how tech-driven growth and environmental stewardship can move in lockstep.
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