Virgin Atlantic to Introduce Green Surcharge

Virgin Atlantic Airways is the latest travel brand to announce that it will charge passengers a fee to help cover expenses associated with sustainable aviation fuel.

The airline's chief executive, Shai Weiss, confirmed the news, according to a report in The Telegraph.

The new environmental surcharge fee will be rolled out over the next 18 months, the publication reported.

The announcement comes as Virgin Atlantic Airways prepares to comply with new mandated usage of sustainable fuels, which can be far more costly than traditional fuel.

“Prices will have to go up to account for the fact that flying with Saf in greater and greater volumes is materially more expensive,” Weiss told The Telegraph.

British Airways has also said it may increase prices to accommodate for SAF costs. Though the airline has not confirmed whether it will implement a specific levy.

SAF is made from used cooking oil and is designed to cut back on carbon emissions.

Virgin Atlantic’s CEO said the surcharges were viewed as a preferrable option for the carrier because they allow transparency for travelers who will know why prices are increasing.

 “If you do it, you need to do it transparently in the form of something consumers understand,” the CEO told The Telegraph.

Virgin Atlantic’s move follows a similar measure from German carrier Lufthansa, which announced SAF fees last month. That airline has said it will begin charging up to $77 per flight next year to help the airline pay the increasing tab associated with alternative fuels designed to combat climate change.

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