Flybe introduces aircraft ‘eco-labelling’

Passengers booking with Flybe will be able to gain a ‘green guide’ to the aircraft they intend to fly on.

A detailed breakdown of the fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise patterns of the aircraft type to be used on their journey will be provided at the time of booking via the internet.

The so called eco-labelling scheme is designed to allow passengers to assess the environmental impact of their journey, according to the airline. 

They will then be in a position to decide whether they want to carbon-offset their journey. 

Flybe has appointed PURE the Clean Planet Trust (“PURE”) to operate verifiable carbon-offset schemes on behalf of passengers. 

PURE will operate two schemes:

• a carbon credits based scheme, under which carbon credits will be traded on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) 
• a grant scheme under which PURE will make direct contributions to a broad range of small-scale carbon reducing projects, for instance the installation of renewable energy in schools

The carrier’s chief executive and chairman Jim French said: “Flybe acknowledges that human activity, including air travel, is contributing to global climate change.

“Flybe acknowledges and takes seriously its responsibility to reduce the carbon emissions produced by our aircraft and this we are seeking to do, through the purchase of the most environmentally sensitive aircraft, deployment of the right size aircraft on the right routes, and through constant improvements in our operational processes

“With today’s launch of the ecolabel, we take up the challenge to make Flybe as environmentally sensitive as possible and to help bring pressure across the industry to reduce emissions by improving standards.

“Our ecolabel initiative is designed to help consumers identify which type of aircraft or which type of route is the most sensitive choice to the environment. We believe that through the provision of information to consumers they will exercise choice i.e. we need to make this journey and I know my choice has the least impact on my neighbourhood and the environment.

“Through this we hope the market will encourage airlines to invest in new aircraft which are designed for the 21st century and find the balance between both the economic needs of the business with the environmental needs of society.”

The scheme is in response to the Stern Report’s call for ‘labelling’ to help consumers and businesses make sound decisions.

by Phil Davies