Travelers booking private flights through Equinox Charter now have the option to offset carbon emissions through the reward points they earn through the company’s Beyond Balance loyalty program. On Wednesday, the UK-based charter brokering group announced a partnership with sustainability services specialist 4Air, which will provide a variety of offsetting “pathways” for Beyond Balance members.
Clients earn rewards for each charter flight arranged through Equinox Charter and decide how they want these credits to be applied at the booking stage. They will still have the option of using these rewards towards future flights and aircraft upgrades, or services such as ground transportation, hotels, and other arrangements made through the group’s Equinox Travel sister company.
The Beyond Balance rewards will cover the full cost of 4Air's Level 2 Emissions Neutral option for each flight. 4Air calculates the cost based on the hourly flight time and aircraft type. It provides a 300% offset of the total emissions footprint in terms of carbon dioxide and non-CO2 emissions.
As part of the calculation, 4Air applies a cost equivalent to $10 per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. The company manages the emissions offsetting process by independently verifying environmental projects
If charter clients want to opt for 4Air's Level 3 and 4 plans, which include the use of sustainable aviation fuel, they can do so and cover the additional cost themselves. The monetary value of the Beyond Balance rewards is the same for offsetting or for the standard benefits of the program.
"To some of our clients, making air travel more sustainable is very important, so it's now easier than ever to offset emissions for flights booked through Equinox Charter," said the company's managing director Elliot Bottomley. "Individual priorities and perspectives on carbon offsetting and broader ESG initiatives vary though. Beyond Balance acknowledges this by providing clients with a tangible choice, allowing them to select the option that best aligns with their objectives."