Netherlands-based Climate Aero has launched to help business aircraft operators address growing environmental concerns, which will be a major focus this week at EBACE 2024 where the company is making its public debut.
Offering a free service for aircraft owners, Climate Aero has established a database of more than 200,000 private aircraft, facilitating the transparent reporting of carbon emissions and giving operators insight into their environmental impact, enabling them to make improvements. All flight movements of private aircraft from North America and Europe are tracked via transponder data, and CO2 emissions are calculated using that flight data and communicated to those with available fuel profiles.
The platform can be integrated with external carbon offsetting programs and, through its “set and forget” service, simplifies the emissions management process by automatically handling emissions calculations. Climate Aero can also assist with the procurement of verified carbon offsets and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits, and the aircraft owner then receives an invoice for the desired offset.
To illustrate and highlight the sustainability efforts of its users, the program generates a “badge of honor” with a personalized QR code that can be integrated into company websites or other promotional materials.
“Climate Aero is dedicated to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the aviation sector,” said company founder and CEO Florian Albers. “Our platform not only simplifies the complex process of carbon emissions reporting and offsetting but also empowers aircraft owners and operators to showcase their sustainability efforts proudly.”
According to Albers, the seed for his company was planted two years ago after climate activists gained access to Amsterdam Schiphol and chained themselves to private jets. As a pilot and aircraft owner himself, Albers felt the need to do something to reduce aviation's climate impact.
While the protestors would prefer more drastic solutions up to the cessation of flying, Albers believes carbon offsetting represents a more practical option. "Many aircraft owners I have spoken to are quite willing to do something about the environmental impact of flying, but it should not take too much time," he said. "It's also nice to get some recognition when you contribute."