Virgin Atlantic is treading a slightly different eco-friendly path to its counterparts because it is developing green technology instead of opting for carbon offsetting, it has said.

Paul Charles, a spokesperson for the company, stated that with its forthcoming business class airline, the carrier is taking the opportunity to concentrate on taking a proactive approach to reducing carbon emissions.

He noted that Virgin Atlantic is set to introduce biofuel power to its fleet within the next two years and that every air ticket bought with the airline contributes towards the company's research into clean technology.

"Our focus is very much on using the money to develop the clean fuel technology, because that's what's going to change the whole notion of environmentally-friendly flight. It's down to technology," Mr Charles commented.

The carrier announced earlier this month that it intends to launch an airline that exclusively offers business class seats within the next 18 months.

Currently, Virgin Atlantic flies to destinations such as Barbados, Washington, New York and Cape Town, and recently announced plans to launch a new service to Mauritius this autumn.

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