Kathmandu, January 26

Yeti Airlines, in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has formally initiated the process to transform itself into a carbon neutral airline.

At a workshop held today, which was attended by representatives from the Nepal government, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), UNDP, civil society organisations, and the private sector, the airline shared the results of its first annual greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory along with plans to reduce and offset emissions.

This first exercise examined the GHG emissions resulting from air travel, vehicle use and facility operations. In doing so the airline has established a carbon baseline, which will be used to monitor progress and ultimately become carbon neutral through emission reductions and offsetting, as per a media release.

Building on this initiative, the airline plans to move towards the ultimate goal of climate neutrality, which includes other impact areas of its operations such as water use and waste management.

UNDP Nepal Country Director, Renaud Meyer said, “I believe this initiative will inspire several other Nepali businesses to adopt a goal of climate neutrality, and the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development.”

Sanjiv Gautam, director general of CAAN, said, “With its decision today, Yeti Airlines has aided CAAN in its ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability in the aviation sector. This will contribute towards meeting national and global commitments to reduce greenhouse gases.”

The preliminary carbon footprint report shows Yeti Airlines produced 18,113 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions in 2017 mainly from aircraft fuel consumed to service the cities. This total equals the amount of carbon sequestered by approximately 470,000 trees over 10 years. The emissions from air travel accounts for nearly 100 per cent of the company’s emissions. Between 2016 and 2017, CO2e emissions per km decreased by seven per cent while the CO2e emissions per passenger decreased by 11 per cent due to a more efficient fleet, the release adds.

“We plan to adopt industry-leading practices to reduce our emissions, which includes more efficient routes and operations, fleet upgrades, public incentives, staff training, and load reductions. Any unavoidable emissions will be offset by purchasing UN-certified carbon credits and other initiatives that support climate mitigation and sustainable development for the benefit of the Nepali people. We aim to become a carbon neutral company by 2018,” said Yeti Airlines CEO Umesh Chandra Rai.