Ten airlines to join carbon offset scheme this year: IATA

Kenya Airways has become the first African carrier to enlist in a UN scheme to help offset emissions. Through the year atleast ten airlines are expected to start investing in projects that will earn carbon credits under an UN–sponsored carbon offset programme.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is running a carbon offset programme under the United Nations' Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), in which firms investing in such projects receive credits called certified emissions reductions.

The need for such an initiative from airlines was felt as it is felt that the industry's rapid expansion is likely to pose a climate change challenge. It is estimated that the aviation sector contributes about two per cent of total global carbon emissions.

"Aviation is a growing market especially in the Asia region. That is why we have specific measures in place to neutralize those increases (in carbon emissions)," Michael Schneider, IATA assistant director for carbon offsets, informed agencies.

"This year we expect ten airlines to join our carbon offset programme and about five are from Asian countries."

So far seven airlines under IATA are already funding various projects around the world. Kenya Airways said it planned to fund an expansion project in the country's 48-megawatt Olkaria III geo-thermal power station in the Rift Valley.

The airline has so far offset 100 tons during a trial run in April.

IATA has said three other African airlines - Mozambique Airlines (LAM), Egyptair and South African Airways were expected to start making payments to carbon offset schemes this year.