Virgin moots carbon neutral chauffeurs

Virgin Atlantic is to continue its chauffeur driven car service, but with an environmentally friendly twist.

The airline has signed a three-year contract with Volvo to continue the chauffeur limousine service for upper class passengers, which is operated by Tristar Worldwide Chauffeur Service.

"We believe that our passengers will appreciate being picked up by the latest Swedish models!" quipped Richard Branson.

Passengers with upper class tickets can be chauffeur driven to Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester airports.

Using the limousine service also allows travellers to take advantage of Virgin's drive thru check-in option, where passengers can unload baggage and receive their boarding pass without leaving the comfort of the car.

Inspired by Volvo's environmental policies, the airline also plans to reduce the environmental impact of the chauffeur service, saying that it is "actively exploring" options such as going carbon neutral.

Carbon neutral requires trees to be planted to offset the emissions created by the cars. It is estimated that the service would require a few hundred trees to be planted annually.

Posted by Just the Flight, 06 March 2006 10:17

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