Carbon-neutral airline wins prestigious eco award

Air travel consistently gets hit with criticism for being one of the greatest catalysts for climate change. Greenhouse-gas-spewing jets continue to streak the blue skies; as of yet, "greener" alternatives to modern airplanes, from small prop-jets to jumbo airliners, have yet to hit the mainstream. Sure, some airlines like Virgin are stepping up to research fuel alternatives, while some studies suggest alternate flight patterns to cut fuel.

There are, as of today, no set rules regarding the "greening up" of air travel – most initiatives have been left up to the individual airlines as ways to operate more responsibly as well as lure customers toward greener pastures.

One such airline is NatureAir – a Costa Rican based airline that claims to be the world’s first carbon neutral of the kind.

Since starting business in 2000, the airline has become the fastest growing regional airline in Central America. In 2000, the company was flying 18,000 passengers per year, as compared to 2008 which saw over 140,000 flying the company’s twin engines. With both scheduled and chartered flights, and offers 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica and Panama.

For 2009, this eco-progressive company has been awarded for its efforts to benefit the planet by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), in its naming Natureair the winner of its 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Conservation Award. The airline was selected primarily for its carbon neutral program – actively engaging customers to participate in a non-voluntary carbon offset scheme, as well as its commitment to fuel reduction in the air and on the ground.

NatureAir’s program funds the protection and reforestation of the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica.

“The environment is precious and we are thrilled to receive this wonderful recognition by WTTC for our conservation efforts,” said Alex Khajavi, founder and CEO of NatureAir. “This award is a motivator for all of us at NatureAir to continue searching for ways which add a positive value to the social and environmental challenges we face.”

NatureAir is also known for having developed the country’s only biodiesel refuelling station, which is used to run its entire ground operations equipment and vehicles.

Jean-Claude Baumgarten, WTTC President and CEO, in announcing the award in Florianópolis, Brazil, at the 9th Global Travel & Tourism Summit, said: “In 2004, NatureAir made a highly ambitious pledge to set new standards for sustainable practices in the airline industry, compensating for 100% of its greenhouse gas emissions through the preservation and reforestation of tropical forests in the Osa Peninsula. And it has not only fulfilled this pledge, but has also implemented a whole host of other effective sustainable policies and activities, including community benefit outreach programs.”

Congratulations, NatureAir, and please keep up the good work.

For more information, visit www.NatureAir.com .