Virgin launches inflight carbon offset scheme

A new initiative that allows passengers to offset their carbon emissions inflight has been launched by Virgin Atlantic.

The Gold Standard Carbon Offset Scheme, set up in partnership with Swiss charity myclimate, enables travellers to choose whether to offset their carbon emissions for the flight mid-journey.

Those who decide to do so make a payment dependent on the length of their flight and the amount of carbon dioxide produced, as well as other factors such as the various weights of equipment and seats in each cabin.

Virgin Atlantic said that this means customers in its Upper Class seats would pay more than passengers in other cabins as their seating and entertainment facilities are considerably heavier.

Airline president Sir Richard Branson commented: "Virgin Atlantic is offering the world's first ever scheme enabling passengers to offset their air travel during their flight.

"This effective carbon offsetting option is unique as it supports only Gold Standard projects."

Virgin Atlantic offers a range of economy and business class flights to Hong Kong, Las Vegas, New York, Dubai, Cape Town and Sydney, among other destinations.

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