EasyJet has launched a carbon-offset programme after dismissing existing schemes as over-priced and unregulated.
The airline did so as a survey found only 7% of travellers were unconcerned about emissions.
The carrier is offering the chance to add offsets to fares, with the average cost per return flight about £3.
The money will go only to Clean Development Mechanism projects recognised by the United Nations and recommended by the Government. However, these have drawn criticism from the industry – including ABTA and airline Silverjet – as well as from environmentalists.
The carrier said 5% of the fee will go towards administration costs. Environment secretary Hilary Benn hailed the scheme as “a positive step”.
- What do you think of the easyJet scheme? E-mail ian.taylor@rbi.co.uk