Story ID: 
European FBO Operator Makes Green Pledge
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Portugal-based Omni Handling has pledged to plant a tree for every ground handling it performs.
Word Count: 201
European business aviation ground support provider Omni Handling has partnered with environmental group Rainforest Action, in an agreement that pledges to plant one new tree in its native Portugal for every ground handling operation it performs. Since the program’s launch, it has sponsored the planting of more than 500 trees in Marvão and Meda, to reforest areas that have recently been affected by forest fires.

The company, one of Portugal’s largest FBO operators—with locations in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, Faro, Beja, the Azores, and Madiera—noted that based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forecast, emissions from international aviation that affect the global climate are expected to increase through 2050.

“As part of the aviation industry Omni Handling is fully aware of this threat and is willing to take action and participate in the preservation of nature,” said company CEO Ricardo Pereira. “By encouraging the use of innovative practices and the development of cleaner technologies, our industry will be able to reduce the impact on the environment.”

Pereira added that after reducing his company’s carbon footprint, simple actions such as planting trees can have a significant impact on the future.