We Don't Joke About the Environment

At V Australia, we take our commitment to minimising any kind of environmental impact of our activities very seriously. To help address climate change we have implemented a range of initiatives to minimise greenhouse gas emissions.

Thanks to a new wing, more efficient engines and a lighter structure, V Australia’s new fleet of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft make better use of fuel, meaning lower emissions per seat (PDF, 9k).* For every unit of fuel saved, almost three fewer units of carbon dioxide are generated.

We also wholeheartedly support Sir Richard Branson's initiatives to address climate change including reduction of aircraft fuel emissions and the development of new technologies, such as fuels and airframes that will improve efficiency further.

Carbon offsetting is an important component of our environmental strategy. At the end of the day, flying results in the emission of greenhouse gases no matter how efficient we are. Offsetting is an option that allows us and our Guests to offset emissions related to flights through Australian Government recognised abatement projects. Such projects also provide other benefits, such as public education and contributing to the development of the renewable energy industry.

We are also putting our money where our mouth is by making a financial commitment over the next five years to minimise the greenhouse impacts of our team members travelling on company business.

As airlines, we are well aware of the complexity of the challenge of meeting demand for air travel while also working to reduce aircraft emissions. We believe we are making a step in the right direction and we hope other airlines will follow.

More information on our environmental initiatives

As part of our commitment to minimising our impacts on the environment, we have adopted an integrated approach to the ‘greenhouse’ issue by focusing on improving efficiency and reducing emissions through the implementation of a range of initiatives including:

• Utilisation of a young fleet of fuel efficient aircraft;
• Working with Government to address air traffic management to achieve more efficient aircraft routing and flight profiles;
• Implementation of eco-efficiency initiatives in new and existing company premises; and
• Waste minimisation and recycling strategies for aircraft, airport terminals and offices.

What you can do

Flying, like many other forms of transport, impacts the environment because the fuel used by aircraft results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other emissions into the upper atmosphere.  V Australia has set a challenge of our own to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to our business. Now we also offer our Guests the opportunity to offset emissions related to flights taken with us.

If you would like to offset your flight, all you have to do is click on the link on the V Australia Travel Itinerary page when booking your flight to opt to offset the carbon emissions relating to your flights.

You will then be taken to the Carbon Offset Checkout page which will advise you of the emissions associated with your flight and the cost of offsetting these emissions. Once you have provided your credit card details, you then simply click to accept the charge and a tax invoice is generated and sent to you via email.

You can also offset your flight at any time by choosing 'offset flights' below and entering your booking reference number.

 

You can make a difference!

Climate change is happening now, but the actions every one of us takes on a daily basis can reduce its effects. We can all help protect our environment by making changes, big and small, in the way we lead our lives - particularly in the areas of, waste, energy use and transport.

The Australian Conservation Foundation's GreenHome program provides information on how you can make a difference.

What abatement programs will my money go to?

Monies collected through our optional Carbon Offset Program will be contributed to projects in Australia.

If you choose to offset a flight on V Australia, your contribution will go towards the Department of Climate Change’s Approved Greenhouse Friendly™ Abatement Projects.

We have recently finalised an agreement with Landfill Management Services (LMS) Generation to provide us with high quality Greenhouse Friendly™ abatement for our offset program. LMS Generation is the first company in Australia to trade carbon credits from the combustion of landfill gas. For more information about the company and their abatement projects, visit the LMS Generation website .

For more information on Greenhouse Friendly™ program and abatement, please visit their website .

For more information about our Carbon Offset initiatives, please visit the Virgin Blue Carbon Offset Program's website.

*Source: Boeing