Mango becomes first low-cost airline globally to join IATA Carbon Offset Programme
Low-cost airline Mango has become the first non-IATA (International Air Transportation Association) member airline to join the IATA Carbon Offset Programme. The Mango voluntary offset programme launches today with a flat-rate Green Fee of R 6 (six Rand) available as offset option against any flight booked on the airline’s network. The offset contribution is calculated at an average of 119g of CO2 emissions per traveler per domestic flight and available online, on the airline’s mobi-site and mobile apps.
“This is a world first for Mango,” says Mango Chief Executive Officer Nico Bezuidenhout. “The environmental impact of aviation is known and the business has embarked on various initiatives to minmise emissions such as our urban agriculture project over the years. However joining a globally recognized programme of exacting standards, and being the first low-cost airline to do so, answers our dual social and commercial mandate as well as Mango’s continued drive to lead the low-cost sector on the continent.” Mango has led the aviation industry commercially too; it’s the only airline to accept store charge cards as payment method and the only African airline to offer booking, payment and travel management services on a mobile app.
“The participation of Mango in the IATA carbon offset scheme demonstrates just how deeply committed the aviation industry is to sustainability. This is a global standard program that will deliver local benefits. Mango passengers will able to reduce their carbon emissions by investing into a local South African solar pressure heater project with a simple online transaction at the time of booking. The carbon footprint of the journey will be neutralized by helping various disadvantaged communities across South Africa access clean energy sources. It’s a winning proposition for passengers, the environment and local communities,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General. Mango is the first new model airline and the first non-IATA airline to join the IATA standard carbon offset program. “
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated that aviation contributes around 2% of man-made carbon dioxide emissions with high altitude emissions of other gases contributing to possible additional climate impact. The purchase of carbon credits allows Mango Guests to contribute to a certified project where monetary contributions effectively neutralise emissions through investment into renewable energy sources. Contributions by Mango Guests will be invested in the Low Pressure Solar Water Heater Project sourced by ClimateCare.
Beyond the production of clean energy and consequent carbon offsets, the project also contributes to job creation and skills development in communities and the reduction of energy costs to disadvantaged South Africans. Says Bezuidenhout: “Mango is an airline for all South Africans and we are firmly positioning ourselves as the airline that aims to positively touch the lives of everyone in our country, whether they do business with us or not. Initiatives such as joining the IATA Carbon Offset Programme and supporting the Low Pressure Solar Water Heating project add to our impetus.”