Published 28/09/2023
One of the challenges faced by business travellers in reducing their carbon footprint is air travel, with flights often resulting in increased emissions.
In a bid for more sustainable air travel, Scotland-based carrier Loganair has committed to becoming a carbon-neutral airline by 2040; making it the first UK regional airline to set ambitious goals for a carbon-neutral future.
We spoke with a Loganair representative to find out more about the airline's work to make air-travel more sustainable.
Loganair's Greenskies initiative
In 2021, as part of its ongoing environmental programme Loganair launched its Greenskies initiative, which it has been implementing in several phases.
Loganair launched its carbon offsetting programme in 2021, which involves a £1 carbon offset charge being added to each ticket sold by the airline. The money raised from this charge is invested into sustainability projects around the world that remove the same amount of carbon as Loganair produces.
Community funding
In addition to its carbon offsetting programme, the airline launched its Greenskies Community Fund, which provides grants to help establish renewable energy sources in the local communities it serves, such as the Scottish Highlands and Islands. To date, the Community Fund has supported more than £57,000 of local renewable energy projects.
Loganair recently announced a further £30,000 worth of funding for the Greenskies Community Fund. The airline is encouraging not-for-profit businesses, charities and local groups across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man who are looking to make their own steps towards net zero to submit their applications by 31st October 2023. For further information and to apply click here.
The Scottish Government has also notably supported Loganair for its commitment to more sustainable travel with former Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, Michael Matheson MSP, commending the airline on its work.
Sustainable projects
Loganair is already actively involved in several future flight projects that aim to reduce the impact of airlines on the environment including:
Project Fresson: Led by Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and technology innovators Evolito, Project Fresson aims to convert the Britten-Norman Islander aircraft used on the Orkney inter-isles air services to hydrogen fuel-cell power.
ZeroAvia: ZeroAvia are developing the world's first zero-emission engines for commercial aviation using green-hydrogen to power flights.
Ampaire: Similar to ZeroAvia, Ampaire are developing electrical propulsion technology to work across all aircraft types and make flights greener
Loganair's CEO, Jonathan Hinkles, stated: "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."
Loganair's commitment to becoming carbon-neutral by 2040 is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the aviation industry. As the first UK regional airline to set such ambitious goals, Loganair is leading the way and inspiring other airlines to follow suit, one which will be hugely beneficial to the future of MICE travel.