Kenya Airways has become the first African carrier to enlist in a UN scheme to help offset emissions by investing in carbon offsetting projects.
Firms that invest in the scheme set up by The International Air Transport Association (IATA) under the United Nations’ Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) will receive credits called certified emissions reductions.
"Aviation is a growing market especially in the Asia region. That is why we have specific measures in place to neutralize those increases (in carbon emissions)," said Michael Schneider, IATA assistant director for carbon offsets. "This year we expect 10 airlines to join our carbon offset program and about five are from Asian countries."
Kenya Airways has signed up to fund an expansion project in the country’s 48-megawatt Olkaria III geothermal power station in the Rift Valley. The airline has so far offset 100 tons during a trial run in April.
Three other African airlines – Mozambique Airlines (LAM), Egyptair and South African Airways – are also expected to start making payments to carbon offset schemes this year.