SINGAPORE - Passengers flying on Singapore Airlines (SIA) or low-cost carrier Scoot from Friday (June 25) will be able to offset their share of the flight's carbon emissions by contributing to environmental projects in Indonesia, India and Nepal.
They can do so by buying carbon offsets from dedicated microsites before or after a flight.
This is part of a voluntary programme launched by SIA Group for customers across its passenger and cargo airlines.
The microsite for SIA Cargo clients will be available from next month, and corporate customers can participate from the fourth quarter of this year.
SIA and Scoot will match the offsets that their passengers buy for six months after the programme's launch.
From the fourth quarter, passengers will also be able to use their KrisFlyer miles and HighFlyer points to buy carbon offsets.
SIA's senior vice-president for corporate planning, Ms Lee Wen Fen, said: "Our customers now have an opportunity to offset their emissions through accredited projects that provide clear benefits to people and the planet. Matching their offsets is our way of encouraging our customers to fly carbon neutral."
The programme is part of SIA Group's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
It has tied up with Australian carbon offset provider Tasman Environmental Markets to enable passengers to instantly calculate and offset their share of carbon emissions.
For instance, a traveller on a return trip between Singapore and Hong Kong can pay $5.40 to offset 415kg of carbon dioxide emitted from his journey.
The offsets bought will support projects that reduce future emissions.
SIA Group said it selected projects that have a "proven and measurable impact". They include a rainforest preservation scheme in Central Kalimantan in Indonesia, solar power projects in India, and initiatives that distribute efficient, clean-burning stoves to rural homes in Nepal.
These projects are verified at the highest international standards as well as by independent third parties. The projects are issued with carbon offsets by Tasman Environmental Markets, each with a unique serial number and equivalent to the amount of emissions reduced.
Once SIA Group buys carbon offsets from a project, they are retired, ensuring they cannot be traded again.
Besides the offsets, the group is investing in new-generation planes, which are more fuel-efficient and have lower emissions. It is also increasing operational efficiency and adopting low-carbon aviation fuel technology.
