Private jet shared ownership provider Flexjet has unveiled details of a new sustainability programme for its European operation, on the back of its global achievements in carbon-neutrality.

Delivered in partnership with the aviation sustainability consultancy 4Air, the activity reflects the company's operations from January 2021 and provides a comprehensive level of offsetting that compensates for both carbon and non-CO₂ emissions, to meet 4Air's emissions-neutral (Silver) rating.

Flexjet made the announcement as the company expands in Europe, including its Praetor 600 shared ownership programme. Working with 4Air, it offsets 300 per cent of the carbon dioxide equivalent for every flight, to reflect both CO₂ emissions and other pollutants, including water vapour, aerosol sulphate and nitrous oxides. Owners can also opt to enhance their commitment further if they wish to.

European MD Marine Eugène comments: “We are pleased to now confirm this element of our overall sustainability plan, which is a comprehensive and industry-leading approach to offsetting. Our programme goes well beyond other industry offerings and it is an action we take as a company for every flight, rather than an optional extra for owners. We already have the youngest fleet in the industry, which brings fuel-efficiency advantages along with many other benefits to our owners. With our partnership with 4Air in place, and reduction developments well underway within our group, we are firmly on a pathway to meet and exceed our sustainability goals, within the industry-wide 2050 commitment.”

The work to achieve emission neutral operations began in November 2020, with Flexjet's sister company PrivateFly also working to the same standards. Now a combined operation in Europe under the leadership of Eugène, a collective provision for nearly 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent has already been made for the first quarter of 2021.

In addition to the mandatory 300 per cent offset, Flexjet gives owners the option of upgrading their sustainability commitment to attain 4Air's higher ratings by buying SAF or purchasing SAF credits, and by making a contribution to the Aviation Climate Fund, aimed at supporting research and development in aviation sustainability.

Flexjet's offsets are purchased by 4Air using verified carbon credits and support a global portfolio of six carefully chosen and accredited projects in areas such as solar and wind energy.

One such example is the Cookstove Project in Malawi, which distributes fuel-efficient cookstoves to families living in rural communities who use open fires in their homes. In addition to reducing the carbon dioxide output, using these stoves reduces the amount of wood and coal consumed by these communities, lessens the time needed to collect fuel and avoids the negative health impact of air pollutants being released into their homes.

“We know offsetting is just one piece of the aviation sustainability solution, and it is a bridge towards a carbon-free future,” notes Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro. “Direct emission reduction is a key focus for us in both medium and long-term projects. Flexjet and our wider Directional Aviation family are invested in projects to support emerging aviation technologies, so we can be at the forefront of sustainable flying, both now and into the future.”

Meanwhile, Flexjet LLC has achieved carbon-neutral flight operations through its partnership with 4Air. Since January 2021, Flexjet has been purchasing credits to offset carbon emissions from all flights booked by its US-based owners. With 4Air's assistance, Flexjet's verified credits will fund carbon offset projects that will negate the impact of emissions generated by its aircraft at no additional expense to its owners.