Flying should do less harm to the climate. Therefore, the aviation industry has agreed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The Lufthansa Group wants to halve its emissions by 2030 compared to 2019. To do this, it is making travelers more and more responsible – they should compensate for the CO₂ emissions of their flights.
From 2 to 5 percent: Eco-tariff should increase the compensation rate at Swiss
In a first step, offers for CO₂ offsetting were implemented when booking. However, this option is rarely used. In February 2023, the number of compensated flights in the Lufthansa Group was less than 2 percent. In order to encourage more travelers to compensate, the group introduced two new tariffs, the so-called Green Fares, which include 100 percent compensation. In the medium term, the compensation rate should be increased to 5 percent.
So far, all measures have been voluntary. But that could change soon, because the Swiss airline, which belongs to the Lufthansa Group, is considering making CO₂ compensation mandatory on one route. Target is the only domestic flight between Zurich and Geneva. According to a report by the Swiss business magazine “Bilanz”, Swiss boss Dieter Vranckx is said to have pushed through this decision against internal resistance.
Test on only domestic flight – rail connection available without changing
“We are currently examining the possibility of only offering tariffs on the domestic flight Zurich – Geneva in which compensation for the flight-related CO₂ emissions is already included in the price,” said a Swiss spokeswoman when asked by aeroTELEGRAPH. “However, no final decision has been made yet.” Further details will be communicated in the course of the second half of the year.
The flight between Geneva and Zurich is primarily a feeder to the long-haul flights from Zurich. Swiss has the route six times a day in its program. Both airports can be reached by train within three hours without changing trains.
By Benjamin Reclies