Channel Islands carrier Blue Islands has committed to all flights being carbon neutral from December 1.
All seats booked from today (Monday) to fly from next month will include a £1 carbon offset contribution.
A partnership with Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust will see the airline strive to balance the carbon impact of delivering regional air connectivity.
Blue Islands is also seeking to further reduce its impact through next generation technologies as they evolve for commercial use and reducing its emissions as much as possible in the interim.
A longer-term zero carbon target is the ultimate goal.
Durrell’s ‘rewild carbon’ programme has four central pillars – revive ecosystems, recover species, reduce carbon and rebuild livelihoods – with 95% of funds received going straight to nature. The first project is reforestation in the Atlantic rainforest in Brazil.
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust chief executive Dr Lesley Dickie said: “We are delighted that Blue Islands has chosen to work with Durrell to manage its carbon emissions via rewild carbon.
“There is an urgent need to tackle both the climate and biodiversity crisis and we all need to take responsibility for reducing our carbon footprint and making sustainable choices.
“Rewild Carbon achieves so much more than removing carbon from the atmosphere – our project is also packed with biodiversity and community benefits that will protect both people and wildlife.
“Connectivity is a vital part of island life and Blue Islands’ commitment to rewild carbon means that we will be able accelerate our plans to connect forest fragments in the Atlantic rainforest. We are looking forward to sharing updates with their customers on the growth of this forest and the wonderful wildlife that live there.”
Airline chief executive Rob Veron said: “Connecting people, whether for our social wellbeing or economic prosperity, is an essential part of island life.
“We recognise that this necessity comes at a cost to our planet, for which we all need to take responsibility and part of this is ensuring our air services are as sustainable as possible.
“By becoming carbon neutral, we are taking this vital first step in our journey towards our long-term goal of fully replacing the technology that we use.
“With our heart in the Channel Islands, we’re proud to partner with an organisation that has developed an accountable, transparent and scientific programme to fully balance our carbon impacts for every flight, and that is synonymous with Jersey.”