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EasyJet becomes first major airline to offset carbon emissions

Source: Unsplash/FrederickTubiermont

Where most airlines offer their customers the option – for a fee – to compensate for their flight, EasyJet is now the first company to absorb this cost with no impact to the ticket price.

Easyjet announces carbon offsetting now included in fare

Budget airline EasyJet announced today that for every flight they operate, they will offset the carbon it produces from the fuel used, by investing in projects that include the planting of trees or protection against deforestation. The airline will pay to participate in carbon offsetting projects which meet either the Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) accreditation. In a statement on their website, Easyjet said The cost of your flight will not be impacted.’

The airline will now pay to offset the carbon emissions from the fuel used for all of their flights. They say they will only participate in carbon offsetting projects which meet either the Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) accreditation - these companies are globally recognised and respected for their standards of offsetting.
How Easyjet are tackling their carbon emissions The airline will now pay to offset the carbon emissions from the fuel used for all of their flights. They say they will only participate in carbon offsetting projects which meet either the Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) accreditation – these companies are globally recognised and respected for their standards of offsetting. Source: Easyjet.com

Can EasyJet start a carbon offsetting trend among airlines to soften the impact of flying?

Popular budget airline EasyJet today announced a corporate responsibility move that we hope gets adopted by all airlines quickly. A statement on their website reads: 

‘For every flight we operate, we’ll offset the carbon it produces from the fuel used, by investing in projects that include the planting of trees or protection against deforestation. We know that carbon offsetting is only an interim measure while new technologies are developed. However, at the moment we believe it’s the best way to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

‘But we won’t stop there. We’ll continue to find other ways to reduce carbon emissions such as taxiing on one engine or removing weight from our aircraft, both of which use less fuel. We have championed the development of electric technology and will continue to do so in order to ensure that flying remains a sustainable option for us all in the future.’

What does this mean for passengers? 

EasyJet say the fact that they’re the first major airline to offset the carbon emissions from the fuel used for all flights means that if you do choose to fly, flying with them is a more sustainable choice.

In terms of customer experience, the airline say everything will remain exactly the same, and the cost of flights will not be impacted by their efforts to reduce carbon emissions, and neither will the performance of the plane itself or passengers’ overall safety.
 

EasyJet introduced the Airbus A320neo aircraft back in June 2017 and this year they took delivery of their first A321neo aircraft, which is “our largest, quietest, most cost-efficient and most eco-friendly aircraft yet.”
Modern, more fuel-efficient planes help EasyJet introduced the Airbus A320neo aircraft back in June 2017 and this year they took delivery of their first A321neo aircraft, which is “our largest, quietest, most cost-efficient and most eco-friendly aircraft yet.” Source: EasyJet.com

If you can’t travel less, travel sustainably

While today’s announcement is first and foremost good news, of course we do not wish to imply we can now fly as much as we like. It is better to avoid the airplane where possible, and travel less or more sustainably, but we do think that is a great step forward and something that should be followed by all other airlines. It’s the least they can do to help reduce the damage flying causes.

8 Great tips how to give our planet a breakSource: Facebook/BrightVibes
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