Partners With Climate Care To Reduce Emissions

Business flight... with a "conscience." That's the marketing pitch behind so-called "carbon offset" programs now bandied by umpteen airlines and private jet ownership companies. FlexJet announced Monday at NBAA it will be the latest to jump on the green bandwagon, signing with offset provider Climate Care to sell offset credits to the fractional's customers.

Beginning in October 2008, all new and existing Flexjet owners may join the voluntary program to offset CO2 emissions, to make their flights carbon neutral. Program participants will pay a per-hour fee sufficient to fund activities that generate an equal reduction in emissions.

"Flexjet is pleased to offer its owners the opportunity to take responsibility for their flights and help offset their carbon emissions," said Fred Reid, President, Bombardier Flexjet. "We realize that until technological advances produce truly low emissions aircraft, the best opportunity to minimize climate impact is to balance flight emissions with projects and technologies that reduce environmental impact around the world."

Funds from the offset program will be invested in Climate Care projects worldwide, which reduce carbon emissions and distribute renewable, sustainable technology. As part of the program, Flexjet will also offset all non-owner flights, including flights for demonstration and maintenance purposes.

"We selected Climate Care as a partner after extensive research concluded that the company offers the highest standards for choosing, measuring and reporting on its programs to balance carbon emissions," Reid added. 

FlexJet's parent company Bombardier was the first original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to introduce a carbon offset program for its new business aircraft customers, also partnering with Climate Care earlier this year.

"Climate Care is pleased that Flexjet is seeking environmentally responsible solutions to minimize the climate impact of carbon emissions," said Edward Hanrahan, Executive Director, Climate Care. "We look forward to working with Flexjet to balance carbon emissions by investing in projects designed to replace fossil fuel burning technologies with low-carbon alternatives."

FMI: www.bombardier.com, www.flexjet.com