Thursday, November 28, 2024
Austrian Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, is significantly expanding its Green Fare offering, making it available on long-haul flights across its global network starting December 4. This sustainable travel option, which was initially launched for short- and medium-haul routes, will now cover over 850,000 flights annually, with availability in all travel classes. Green Fares automatically include the offsetting of flight-related CO2 emissions, marking a key part of the Lufthansa Group’s growing portfolio of eco-friendly travel initiatives.
The Lufthansa Group became the first airline group globally to introduce Green Fares, which have been available on shorter routes for nearly two years. After a successful pilot on select intercontinental flights, the Green Fare option will now be regularly offered for long-haul routes as well. These fares are available on flights operated by Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, SWISS, Edelweiss, Discover Airlines, and Air Dolomiti. However, flights operated by other airlines or routes in specific joint venture areas are excluded.
Since launching Green Fares in February 2023, more than two million Lufthansa Group passengers have embraced this sustainable option, collectively offsetting nearly 190,000 tons of CO2 emissions. This amount is equivalent to the emissions of over 1,400 round-trip flights between Vienna and New York aboard a Boeing B787.
What Are Green Fares?
The Green Fare is an easy-to-book tariff that automatically compensates for the CO2 emissions generated by an individual flight. This is achieved through a combination of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and contributions to the Lufthansa Group’s climate project portfolio. The specifics of the offsetting split depend on the flight’s distance:
- Short and medium-haul flights (within Europe and to North Africa): 20% of CO2 emissions are reduced through SAF, while the remaining 80% is offset via climate protection projects.
- Long-haul flights: 10% of CO2 emissions are reduced through SAF, with 90% offset by contributions to climate projects.
In addition to emissions offsetting, Green Fare passengers receive extra miles and points, and enjoy the flexibility to rebook their flights free of charge.
Additional Sustainability Options
Beyond the Green Fare, passengers can opt for carbon offsetting on any fare during the booking process, through their personal booking area, or even after the flight. The Lufthansa Group offers a range of packages for complete CO2 offsetting, each incorporating SAF and contributions to climate protection initiatives. Currently, approximately 4% of Lufthansa Group passengers choose to support more sustainable flying options.
SAF and the Lufthansa Group’s Climate Projects
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a key component of the Lufthansa Group’s efforts to reduce aviation-related carbon emissions. SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel, allowing it to be used in existing aircraft and infrastructure without the need for modifications. The SAF used by the Lufthansa Group is made from biogenic residues, and over its life cycle, it reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 80% compared to traditional fossil jet fuel.
The Lufthansa Group’s CO2 offsetting portfolio includes 19 climate projects, certified under the highest standards, such as the Gold Standard. These projects, managed in partnership with providers like myclimate, Climate Austria, and ClimatePartner, support global sustainability efforts. The portfolio is designed to address both short- and long-term climate goals, with a focus on promoting innovative technologies that further reduce CO2 emissions.
Through these initiatives, the Lufthansa Group continues to lead the way in offering travelers more sustainable flying options while working towards a greener future for aviation.
