Victor, which is planning to launch a Jet Card program in the U.S., says its ambition is to use carbon-neutral fuel for 100% of flights by 2020.
Victor, an online air charter broker in Europe and the U.S. which previously disclosed plans for a Jet Card program, says it has launched a carbon offset program for customers. The program, in collaboration with Air BP and BP Target Neutral, is a proactive initiative to get ahead of key deadlines for reducing the private aviation sector’s overall environmental impact and improve the livelihoods of local communities around the world, the company said in a press release received by Private Jet Card Comparisons.
According to Victor, a record of carbon credits will be added to a digital flight log that customers can access on a quarterly basis. These credits guarantee that carbon emissions for the fuel used on qualifying flights – those booked through Victor with participating aircraft operators using Air BP fuel – are offset through investment in eight global BP Target Neutral carbon reduction projects around the world. Eligible flights come at no extra cost to customers and will be clearly marked on Victor’s app and website.
Offset initiatives range from the installation of hydropower plants in rural China to biogas initiatives in Karnataka, India, all the BP Target Neutral projects are selected by an independent forum, independently verified and monitored in line with the ICROA (International Carbon Reduction & Offset Alliance) Code of Best Practice. The projects are chosen based on their contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals, which includes their contribution to reducing carbon emissions and improving livelihoods for the communities they are based in through various educative, economic and social benefits.
Private aviation accounts for just 0.04% of global man-made carbon emissions and only 2% of all aviation CO2 emissions which, in turn, represent approximately 2% of total man-made carbon emissions, Victor notes. Nevertheless, according to CORSIA, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) global scheme for carbon offsetting and reduction, aircraft operators will need to purchase offsets for their growth in CO2 emissions above 2020 levels.
CORSIA launches with a voluntary period, 2021-2026, after which it becomes mandatory. In turn, various industry bodies within the business and general aviation sectors have acknowledged specific ICAO targets to try and achieve carbon neutral growth by 2020, make 2% improvements in fuel efficiency (on average per year) between now and 2020, and ensure a 50% cut in total emissions by 2050, relative to 2015. By launching a carbon offset program now, Victor will ensure that a significant number of private aircraft operators are well positioned, and supported, to proactively help meet these crucial environmental targets and advance industry change. Victor’s ambition is to use carbon-neutral fuel for 100% of flights by 2020.
Following a trial phase which began late last year Victor and Air BP have already signed up over half of their 20 biggest operator customers to the Europe-focused program, and are now eyeing more expansion throughout 2018. So far this year, the volume of charter booked through Victor’s platform via signed-up operators has grown an additional 46% (year-on-year) versus standard operator flights. Over three-quarters of customers (78%) opted into the trial scheme have received quotes for flights where carbon emissions for the fuel used will be offset via BP Target Neutral.
Mike Ryan, co-founder and head of supply for says, “Victor continues to set an agenda for positive change across the private aviation industry. This program offers an instant opportunity for operators to advance their carbon reduction plans ahead of several crucial industry deadlines, whilst further validating the role of private aviation to customers as a driver for global economic, social and cultural development. This is an important stepping stone in the journey towards a truly low carbon future.”
Victor will initially operate its carbon offset program in the UK and Europe. More information, including details on how customers can sign up for offset flights, can be found at www.flyvictor.com/carbonreduction.
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