Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, sister companies, launched their “FLY greener” campaign at the end of December 2007.
Within the past few years, offsetting carbon emissions has become more and more important in our planet’s plight to maintain its health. New energy efficient light bulbs, organic and locally grown foods, hybrid and low-emission cars, as well as purchasing carbon offsets – have been part of the formula to address climate change.
The “FLY greener” campaign is the first of its kind in Asia to address climate change in the air travel industry. It is a voluntary or optional carbon offset scheme that Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flyers will be able to participate in. Passengers will be able to offset their carbon footprint caused by their flight by purchasing these offsets when they purchase their tickets.
It provides passengers and flyers “with a means to make a difference,” at a small cost which is added to their ticket price. Flyers also have the option of paying via cash, credit, or through Asian Miles air miles points.
To calculate the quantity of carbon emissions created by your flight, both Cathay Pacific and Dragonair provide online calculators that will give you the numbers. The minimal cost of purchasing the carbon offsets is minimal considering flight costs and taxes. Here is an example of what the numbers look like from some of Cathay Pacific and Dragonair’s destinations: Toronto, Hong Kong, London, Tokyo, San Francisco, and etc:
* All calculations based on a round trip for 1 passenger for Cathay Pacific’s flights as of Jan/08/2008.
It goes without saying that the cost of cleaner air and a greener, healthier planet is priceless – compared to the minute costs of the offsets. So the next time you’re flying with Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, or any other airline, inquire about what their environmental standards are and what can be done to offset your carbon emissions.
For more information on Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, FLY greener, and the carbon emission calculator, please visit: http://www.dragonair.com/flygreener and http://www.cathaypacific.com/flygreener .
