Eco-Aviation Channel

United offers carbon offsets

By Geoffrey Thomas
Eco-Aviation Today, May 18, 2009, p.6

United Airlines launched a carbon offset program that complements its existing efforts to reduce its impact on the environment. Its environmental initiatives include fleet enhancements, an EcoPower engine wash system and alternative-fuel ground support equipment vehicles. Last year it was the only US airline to participate in the environmental program ASPIRE, using 11 fuel-savings initiatives in a single transpacific flight to save more than 32,000 lb. of carbon emissions.

United has combined with Conservation International and Sustainable Travel International to develop a carbon calculator to determine a passenger's carbon footprint for air travel based on actual UA routes, planes utilized, load factors and fuel usage. An offset for travel from Tampa to Chicago may be available for a contribution as low as $2.05. The airline has a portfolio of projects for the carbon offset program such as wind farms and international forest preservation projects.

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