AN AIRLINE which operates flights from Southampton has announced it’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2040.

Yesterday, Loganair announced its new “GreenSkies” environmental programme, claiming to be the first UK regional airline to take “such an ambitious step forwards” in managing and mitigating the environmental impact of flying.

The airline that operates, which operates flights from Southampton to locations across the UK as well as the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and Norway, said the initiatives includes carbon offset measures aimed at removing the same amount of carbon from the environment as it generates through its flights.

The scheme also aims to tackle the long-term goal of introducing sustainable aircraft into its fleet – with live trials taking place in the Orkney Islands this summer on developmental aircraft powered by hydrogen and renewable electricity.

Daily Echo:

The programme will be launched from July 1 with a £1 carbon offset charge set to be included in ticket price for every flight from Summer 2021.

The company says that by harnessing the collective power of everyone flying with Loganair, carbon neutral flying can be achieved through at a “practical and modest” cost per passenger.

Loganair chief executive, Jonathan Hinkles, said: “We are extremely proud to be the first UK regional airline to set ambitious goals for a carbon-neutral future.

“The entire transport industry has a huge task ahead to address and reduce emissions from every form of travel, and it’s our responsibility as the UK’s largest regional airline to lead the way.

“The technology required to deliver zero-carbon regional flights is still under development and testing today, and these are programmes in which we’re pleased to be taking an active role.”

Funds raised through the GreenSkies charge will be invested in projects across the world such as reforestation projects and wind farms to remove carbon from the atmosphere.

The initiative by the airline, which has it’s main base at Glasgow Airport, has been welcomed by Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson MSP.

He said: “The Scottish Government looks forward to working with Loganair to deliver on our commitment of decarbonising scheduled flights within Scotland by 2040.”