Flightplan, which launched 14 months ago, is paying a self-imposed "environmental tax." David Lacy, md of the Farnborough airport-based air charter broker, says it has joined Climate Care to offset CO2 emissions.

"Flightplan makes a payment to CC for every aircraft we charter," says Lacy. "Some commercial airlines charge passengers extra to offset their personal share of CO2 emissions, created during flight, but our customers will not be charged"

The internationally recognised rate equates to #7.50 per metric tonne of CO2 emissions generated. Lacy says a Learjet is assumed to emit 3.5 tonnes of CO2 per flight hour.

Flightplan will also charter newer aircraft that are fuel-efficient and noise compliant.

Lacy, who has more than 25 years experience in the aviation industry, adds: "I think it is inevitable that there is going to be some form of CO2 aviation tax and this is a way of showing awareness of environmental needs."

CC is involved in renewable energy, forest restoration and energy efficiency projects.

Lacy says that Flightplan launched at the right time and has had a good and busy first year of operations.