Loganair makes carbon-neutral pledges

Loganair has committed to being fully carbon neutral by 2040.

It is the first UK regional airline to take such a step towards managing and mitigating the environmental impact of flying.

The GreenSkies initiative includes a programme of carbon offsets to remove the same amount of carbon from the environment as that generated from each Loganair flight.

At the same time, the airline is tackling the long-term goal of introducing sustainable aircraft to its fleet.

Live trials will take place in the Orkney Islands this summer on developmental aircraft powered by hydrogen and renewable electricity.

Meantime a £1 carbon offset charge is being included in the ticket price for every customer’s flight starting yesterday, July 1.

The airline company believes that by using the collective power of those flying with Loganair, carbon neutral flying can be achieved at a modest cost per passenger.

Funds raised through the GreenSkies charge will be invested in projects across the world to remove the same amount of carbon from the atmosphere as is generated by Loganair flights.

These include reforestation projects and wind farms that will replace carbon-heavy coal and gas-fired power stations.

Later this year, Loganair will also establish a new fund for grants to help with the cost of establishing renewable energy projects in the communities that it serves.

Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: ‘We are extremely proud to be the first UK regional airline to set ambitious goals for a carbon-neutral future. The technology required to deliver zero-carbon regional flights is still under development and testing today, and these are programmes in which we’re pleased to be taking an active role. We think it’s right to ask our customers to join us on this journey to carbon neutrality, and the £1 GreenSkies charge within Loganair’s ticket prices means that we can immediately mitigate the impact of the carbon emissions from every flight.’

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson MSP, said: ‘Loganair’s involvement in the aircraft trials, taking place at the Sustainable Aviation Test Environment in Orkney, is also a great example of how our ownership of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd creates a unique opportunity for Scotland to lead the drive towards zero emission aviation.’

Loganair has also been invited to participate in the UK Government’s Jet Zero Council.