|
Qatar Airways has signed an agreement with IATA to
spearhead a global carbon offset trading scheme designed to help fund
global environmental projects.
Under the programme, when
passengers book their tickets, they can choose to pay a little
extra to offset the carbon footprint for the particular flight
being taken, with proceeds going towards international programmes
recognised by non-government organisations.
The IATA system
calculates the carbon footprint for different flight sectors and
passengers are able to select which of the many programmes to
support with the extra they contribute.
A number of
international community projects in developing nations will
benefit from the programme.
“Society worldwide is becoming ever more conscious
on the impact of climate change on our daily lives. It has
affected, is affecting and will continue to affect the world – and
the onus is very much on the corporate world to ensure we strive
towards zero carbon emissions to make the world a safer and
cleaner place,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar
Al Baker.
“Much has been documented by
environmental groups and industry bodies over the years
about the impact the aviation industry is having on
society, and we must collectively address these as
practically as possible.”
The IATA system is being developed over the next four months.
Once passengers book online or through Qatar Airways or a travel
agent, they will be prompted if they want to pay extra to offset
the carbon footprint.
If they choose to do so, they are
directed to a carbon offset website which calculates the carbon
footprint for the particular sector being booked. In doing so,
passengers are able to then select from a range of named
international environmental projects to support.
Qatar
Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 68 Airbus and Boeing
aircraft to 84 key business and leisure destinations across
Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North
America.
See
other recent news regarding:
Airlines,
Aviation,
Flights,
First Class,
Business Class,
Hotels,
Promotions,
New Hotels,
Visitor Arrivals,
Cruises,
Free Deals,
Qatar Airways,
Doha,
IATA,
Emissions
|
