Finnair to launch biofuel offsetting service in 2019

After announcing the project in the summer of 2017, network airline Finnair has begun the first phase of its CO2 and biofuel offset service, selecting the partners that will collaborate on the initiative.

The service will allow customers to offset the carbon emissions of their flight by funding emissions reduction projects or by supporting the use of biofuels.

For sustainable biofuels, Finnair has partnered with Dutch jet fuel company SkyNRG. The emissions reduction projects will feature a collaboration with the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO), an international finance institution backed by the Nordic states.

“We are very happy to be able to partner with SkyNRG and NEFCO on this important initiative,” said Kati Ihamäki, director of Corporate Sustainability at Finnair.

“We conducted a survey on how our customers view CO2 emission reductions, and biofuels and carbon sinks were the preferred means for reducing CO2 emissions – therefore it was a logical choice for us to start looking into how we could offer these options for our customers.”

Flights flown by Finnair using the biofuel will be determined by the uptake of the service by customers. According to the release, biofuel has a reduction potential of 60-80% compared to conventional aviation fuels. However, the airline admits that the price of the biofuel is three to five times more expensive than regular fuel.

“Finnair fully supports the industry’s common goal for carbon emission reductions. Advancing the use of biofuel is an important step towards our target, which is carbon neutral growth,” said Ihamäki.

The service follows Finnair’s commitment to the aviation industry’s goal to achieve carbon neutral growth by 2020 and to halve carbon emissions by 2050.

The offsetting service will be available to customers in early 2019 and can be purchased through the airline’s website.