Copa Airlines, subsidiary of Copa Holdings today launched a voluntary carbon offsetting program – the first of its kind in Latin America. The program is based on a “carbon calculator” available at www.copaair.com, where passengers can calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by their air travel, then make a voluntary contribution to offset the flight’s carbon footprint.
The carbon-offsetting program is part of Copa Airlines’ commitment to the environment, which includes a totally renovated fleet equipped with fuel-efficient engines, an investment in new technologies, and streamlining of operations to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The airline also is implementing an Environmental Adaptation and Management Program that encompasses the measurement, reduction and offsetting of emissions, in addition to promoting cleaner production, consumption of renewable resources and a corporate culture of environmental responsibility.

“Our efforts to reduce environmental impact are equally as important as those of our passengers. We are very pleased to offer this dependable and respected option for offsetting the carbon footprint of air travel and to participate in this joint effort to benefit our planet,” said Pedro Heilbron, CEO, Copa Airlines. “Counteracting the effects of climate change is an enormous challenge, which will be successful only if we undertake the task together.”

Copa’s voluntary gas-emissions offset program was developed in association with Sustainable Travel International (STI), a nonprofit organization that will invest passengers’ contributions to finance high-impact, sustainable-development programs such as alterative energy projects and reforestation.

As part of its commitment to environmental responsibility, Copa will continue to identify actions that reduce pollution and that contribute to the sustainable development of Latin American countries.