Cathay Pacific says its planned carbon-offset programme for travellers will help clean air in the Pearl River Delta and combat climate change.
It is among various companies seeking ways to offset emissions through carbon trading.
Under the scheme - already introduced by British Airways, Scandinavian Airlines and Delta Airlines - passengers can volunteer to make a payment offsetting their share of carbon emitted during a flight. For example, passengers flying one-way from Hong Kong to Toronto would have to pay about GBP10 (HK$155) to offset the 1.42 tonnes of carbon.
The money will be invested in sustainable energy projects through an organisation called Climate Care.
Environmental manager Linden Coppell said Cathay, a member of the Clean Air Charter, was aiming at projects that would also reduce air pollution in the delta region.
'We are considering some efficiency-based projects in the [delta],' she said. 'It could be upgrading a transport system or reducing the reliance on conventional energy such as the use of dirty diesel.'
Under the system used by airlines, the amount of carbon emitted during the journey and the sum needed to offset it is calculated when passengers book tickets online. Cathay expects the programme will be launched in September.
