BA in new carbon pledge

Mandatory carbon offsetting on all UK domestic flights is being introduced by  British Airways in partnership with the charity Pure Leapfrog from next year, mirroring a similar recent move by Air France.

BA says its decision will cover up to 75 domestic flights a day between London and 10 UK cities and it will invest in verified carbon reduction projects worldwide, including renewable energy, rainforest protection and reforestation programmes.

The carrier says it will offset on passengers’ behalf for domestic services, while customers on international flights will continue to have the option to pay to offset emissions.

In addition, BA says from next year its carbon emissions on international flights will be capped through the United Nation’s offsetting scheme, and BA’s parent company IAG has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

IAG says it will achieve this goal “through numerous environmental initiatives, including investing more than US$400m in the development of sustainable aviation fuels over the next 20 years”.

■ Latest UN statistics show the aviation industry is responsible for around 2.5% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, compared with the 10% the fashion industry contributes.

www.britishairways.com

www.pureleapfrog.org

www.airfrance.com

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