EasyJet to offset carbon emissions for all flights

Britain’s easyJet aims to become the world’s first major airline to operate net-zero carbon flights across its entire network, it said on Tuesday after posting full-year profit towards the top end of expectations.

In addition to the plans to offset emissions from flying, the budget carrier also announced that it would launch easyJet Holidays in Britain by Christmas, offering its own beach and city breaks after the demise of tour operator Thomas Cook.

The carbon offset programmes will cost about 25 million pounds ($32.4 million) a year, though Chief Executive Johan Lundgren acknowledged that longer-term solutions are also needed. “We recognise that offsetting is only an interim measure, but we want to take action on our carbon emissions now,” he said.