Firefly

What is carbon offset and why carbon offset?

Offset means something that serves to counterbalance or to compensate for something else. Activities like driving, flying or cooling our homes or offices emits carbon dioxide. Carbon offset means initiatives that can absorb carbon produced. Carbon offset is a counter measure to the carbon emitting activities by funding projects that help reduce carbon emissions from the atmosphere.

Do I need to participate?

We are doing our part to help preserve the environment and we are extending the same opportunity to you when flying with FireFly. It is purely voluntary for a noble cause.

How is it calculated?

There is no industry standard at the moment. We have made the formula simple.

Our formula is average fuel burnt (in Kilograms) for a sector multiply by 3.15 multiply by average cost of carbon per ton divide by the average load:

(Fuel burned in Kilos X 3.15 X Cost of Carbon per ton) / load = Offset Value (RM)

3.15 is the constant used to calculate the carbon dioxide produced for every kilogram of fuel burnt

We will abide by the industry standard when it is made available.

How does aircraft emission effects climate change?

Carbon dioxide is emitted when fuel is burnt. 3.15 kilogram of carbon dioxide is emitted for every kilogram of fuel burnt and it contributes to climate change. Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for a long time before it disperses, retaining heat and causing temperature to rise. Air transport is responsible for 2% of the total carbon dioxide emitted.

Do you accept cash payment?

This program is only available through internet booking and payment is charged to your credit card.

Do I get a receipt for my contribution?

Yes, a printable receipt will be available at the end of the transaction .

Where does your money go?

These proceeds will help fund the selected United Nations-sanctioned programmes to protect rainforests in Malaysia, a natural carbon sink, that reduce greenhouse gases and curb the onset of climate change. Through a trust fund managed by the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE), projects satisfying the stipulated criteria will be funded by these proceeds. Trustees of this fund will include the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines.

Who are Malaysia Airlines working with for the carbon offset programme?

Firefly works with Malaysia Airlines, whom has a memorandum of understanding with Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment who monitors the overall conservation projects in Malaysia. Contribution from the programme is directed to a trust fund set up by Forest Research Institute Malaysia, who also managed the selected United Nation Development Plan (UNDP) endorsed projects in Malaysia.

Will all my contribution go to the fund?

96% of your contribution will go to the fund and 4% will be administration fee.

Is my contribution for carbon offset refundable?

All contributions for carbon offset are non-refundable.

Can I make a contribution after my flight?

Yes, you can do so at Firefly's websites.

Is carbon offset the only way to help reduce emission?

No. Besides this effort, Firefly is also actively promoting activities on the ground and in the air to mitigate carbon dioxide emission. Our fuel efficiency program, regular maintenance, recycling activities, water and energy conservation initiatives, fleet renewal plan, route planning are among the more prominent activities in our organization. We are becoming greener each day and committed to remain green.

Are there alternatives other than fossil fuel for aircraft use?

Research and tests have been done by few airlines and aircraft / engine manufacturers. The alternatives are expected to be in the market in 10-15 years.

What improvements or actions can be made to reduce emission from aircrafts?

Regular maintenance of engines and airframes can help in emission reduction. Aircraft manufacturers are using composite materials which are stronger and lighter on new generation aircrafts. Lighter aircraft means burning less fuel thus less emission. Engine manufacturers are evaluating the possibilities of using composites for engine parts to further reduce weight.