Comair Flight Services has launched its carbon offsetting initiative, the CFS Pure Flight Programme. The operator says that it is the first in Africa to go carbon neutral on all of its flights, and the offset cost is automatically included in the price of any charter flight it performs.

The CFS Pure Flight Programme will offset aircraft CO2 emissions by supporting various projects that not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also aim to alleviate poverty. Many of these carbon offsetting projects are designed to provide wider benefits in addition to carbon reduction, such as biodiversity, education, jobs, food security, health and wellbeing in developing countries.

“Our clients spoke and we listened,” says client services director Kerry Searle. “Sustainability is very important to our clients and they wanted a simple way to offset the carbon their flights produce and still remain competitive on pricing, and I think we’ve been able to achieve that.”

In partnership with Credible Carbon, a South African carbon registry, CFS sources carbon credits from independently reviewed and accredited projects that actually reduce CO2 emissions and Comair Flight Services does not profit from these transactions.

CEO Justin Reeves explains: “We take our environmental responsibilities seriously. Among our efforts to tackle climate change, we have set up the CFS Pure Flight Programme in partnership with the team at Credible Carbon to help offset the carbon dioxide generated from air travel in a credible and simple way. I’m immensely proud of our initiative, which sets us apart from our competitors. However I challenge them all to join us in reducing the impact our businesses have on our planet.”

Established in 2007 and headquartered at Lanseria International airport in Johannesburg, CFS offers a full suite of business aviation services including aircraft charter, management, sales and FBO services. Its fleet ranges from single engine turboprops to large business jets and airliners.