Since 2004, NatureAir has been synonymous with a non-voluntary 100% carbon neutral aviation program.  Making it the first airline in the world to create a program of such magnitude.  NatureAir offsets all greenhouse gas emissions discharged from its operations to encourage reforestation of tropical forests in southern Costa Rica’s rich biodiverse zones of the Osa Peninsula.  Today NatureAir’s vision is to continue to conserve resources, protect our environment and keep the air our families breathe cleaner and healthier. 

In keeping with its commitment to environmental and social responsibility, its safety record and reliability NatureAir is the only twin-engine fleet in Costa Rica.  The company conducts extensive planning and training with its flight crew, improves flight plans regularly and avoids long taxi waits before take offs.  In the last three years NatureAir has been able to improve its flight operations fuel efficiency by 7%.

The cost of this carbon-offsetting program is included in each airline ticket price.  For every ounce of carbon emissions produced NatureAir purchases carbon credits from the Costa Rican government’s pioneering payment for environmental services payment program governed by the forestry department (FONAFIFO).

Since the start of this program NatureAir has compensated for nearly 30,000 tons of carbon dioxide though the protection of more than 500 acres of tropical forests.  Each year, NatureAir offsets more than 6,000 tons of carbon emissions. This sustainable program helps consumers feel good knowing that they can help make a big difference while still enjoying their travels in Costa Rica.

Climate change is the biggest problem facing our planet, and preserving its remaining forests is a key part of the solution.  The airline industry contributes an estimated 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.  At the end of the day, flying results in the emission of greenhouse gases no matter how efficient NatureAir is.  Offsetting is an option that enables NatureAir to compensate for its gas emissions through government recognized environmental projects.  These projects also provide other benefits, such as improved biodiversity through forestry projects and contributing to the renewable energy industry

Furthermore, in 2008 NatureAir helped develop Costa Rica’s first alternative fueling station through it wholly owned fueling company, Aerotica.  NatureAir fuels all ground equipment and vehicles with bio-diesel (a mix of recycled vegetable and cooking oils), collected from airline employees and local restaurants.  It’s estimated this biodegradable fuel will reduce roughly 160 tones of CO2 emissions per year.  The fuel costs five cents more per gallon but the sustainable impact to the environment makes it a worthwhile investment, according to NatureAir. 

NatureAir, based in San Jose, Costa Rica, was established in 2000 by the Khajavi family and is committed to sustainable aviation.  It has grown from flying nearly 41,000 passengers in 2002, to more than 140,000 passengers in 2008.  The company has a fleet of eight planes and employs more than 175 people in San Jose.   NatureAir offers 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica and Panama.

 
More than a century ago, no reliable airlines existed in Costa Rica or Central America serving adventure travel destinations.  Services were often slow, chaotic and inconvenient for international and regional tourists.   Whole communities were essentially cut off from the world in certain seasons.  The catch was that these destinations were often the most beautiful and most in need of sustainable tourism projects. 

Meanwhile, a consulting company called Naturegate (www.naturegate.com) was working in Central America on various sustainable tourism projects.  The Naturegate team knew from personal experience that road travel was long, arduous and even dangerous.  They also struggled with the viability of tourism projects in beautiful destinations, but without adequate transportation infrastructure.

NatureAir’s program limits carbon emissions and reduces company dependence on fuel in the air and on the ground. 

100% of NatureAir's carbon emissions are compensatd through the protection and reforestation of tropical forests in Southern Costa Rica's rich biodiverse zones of the Osa Pensinsula.  

For every ounce of carbon produced NatureAir purchases carbon credits from the government’s pioneering for environmental services payment program governed by the forestry department (FONAFIFO).   The emission amount is calculated by a detailed greenhouse gas life cycle assessment, this is based on the amount produced through flying and operation ground travel in the previous 12 months. 

Local landowners voluntary participate in FONAFIFO and see the long-term value with keeping their forests alive, versus the quick cash of selling trees to logging activities.  The participants have voluntarily agreed to conserve their land in exchange for yearly financing which can be used how they wish.  20% of NatureAir's carbon offsetting financial contributions goes toward administration, analysis and 3rd party auditing of the lands, while 80% is paid directly to the landowners for guaranteed protection of their privately owned tropical forests in Southern Costa Rica.  When Costa Rica's tropical forests are cut down, there is very little value left on or for the land.  More importantly the wildlife, flora and fauna are impacted by this loss as much as the local communities.

To help further limit its gas emissions NatureAir's fleet is made up of twin-engine Havilland Otters, which are acclaimed to be the quietest and most fuel-efficient engine option available.  The company conducts extensive flight crew training, improves flight plans regularly and schedules flights to avoid long taxi waits before take off.  Currently NatureAir is working towards an additional reduction of emissions by 4% per aircraft by 2010.

NatureAir is an active participant in sustainable tourism workshops and discussions across the world.

NatureAir places equal emphasis on commercial success and social responsibility.  Studies indicate that English speakers in Costa Rica earn on average 47% more.

Through the companies NatureKids Foundation (http://www.naturekids.org) Costa Rican children and their families are taught English, writing skills and environmental education at little or no cost.

NatureKids has grown from a one-room classroom in San Jose to several locations throughout Costa Rica including Drake Bay, Puerto Jimenez and Tambor.  Classes are for entire families, from children to grandparents.  In 2007 The NatureKids Foundation expanded its English program, and broadened the environmental education programs for its students. The program is initiating efforts to clean up water in smaller communities and collect and recycle garbage.  Environmental lessons, activities and workshops are offered to help install sustainable practices in children at a young age. 

The community experience is also a vital piece of the NatureKids methodology.  Teachers connect lesson plans to personal, family, community and environmental issues.

Alex Khajavi, CEO and Chairman of the Board of NatureAir Holding Company SA and Naturegate           Alex Khajavi carries an extensive background in international finance, tourism development and ecotourism consulting.  Mr. Khajavi has worked on sustainable development projects in the Seychelles, Egypt, Fiji, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Belize, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Kenya. Mr. Khajavi has lectured on conceptualization, sustainable design, and tourism planning for the Ecotourism Society, UNESCO, United Nations and contributed to several books and papers on sustainability. He has also worked closely with the Ecotourism Society as a premier supporting member.

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NatureAir was created to make a difference, help save the planet, and better assist the communities it serves.  NatureAir Founder Alex Khajavi has dug his hands in many sustainable projects across the world for nearly 30 years.  In addition, he’s known for being an advocate to encourage developing countries to adopt ecotourism as a financially and environmentally sustainable tool for development.  Therefore, it was no secret when he and his colleagues began researching a way for NatureAir to limit its carbon emissions.  It was understood that for an airline to become sustainable it would be challenging but not impossible.  In creating a 100% carbon neutral aviation program Mr. Khajavi was hoping to make a spark, which might lead to a more sustainable aviation industry worldwide.  In 2003, when NatureAir began researching this issue of carbon neutrality, there was very little understanding in regards to the public and private sector of involvement. Although, Mr. Khajavi felt his company could change this and add exposure to the issue.  He wanted to get people talking about the possibility of airlines becoming carbon neutral.

Alexi Huntley Khajavi, Commercial Director - NatureAir
Alex Khajavi has an extensive media, sales and marketing background.  He helped re-brand NatureAir to what the company is today.  He spearheaded NatureAir´s program in going carbon neutral, and has led this effort in becoming the world’s first carbon neutral airline in the world.

Prior to joining NatureAir Mr. Khajavi spent time with Naturegate as a full-time Consultant and Director of Marketing.  He worked on projects including; Tiamo Resorts in the Bahamas, Children’s Art Park for Peace, Four Seasons Costa Rican Resort and others in India and Guatemala. He has a degree in Anthropology and Latin American Studies from the University of California. Mr. Khajavi lives in San Jose with his wife and daughter.   

NatureAir's commitment to quality of service is clearly demonstrated by the way they have structured their programs; not from the perspective of a business owner, but from that of a traveler.    

• In 2004 Alex Khajavi and his family turned NatureAir 100% carbon neutral. 

• It is the only two-engine fleet in Central America, safety, reliability and comfort of passengers is their top priority, which is further emphasized by their high quality of fight services and efficient operations. 

• Every year the company works to improve it’s flight plans in order to conserve more fuel.  In 2008 this was an improvement of roughly 4% in fuel efficiency per hour of flight, compared to the previous year.  These efforts have resulted in a 92 percent on-time performance which is simply unheard of in this region.

• NatureAir has also opened more destinations to adventure travelers than ever before.  Destinations that used to take eight hours to drive to, can now be reached via NatureAir in only 45 minutes!  This allows travelers to have more fun and spend more valuable time at their destination(s).  

• NatureAir has pioneered the e-ticket concept in Central America making them the only electronic ticket airline in this region.

• NatureAir is the world’s number one chosen airline by top tour operators.

NatureAir does not ask its clients for voluntary contributions to reduce carbon emissions but rather includes the extra costs in each sold airline ticket.  Despite concerns this would damage the company – NatureAir has grown 5x in annual revenues since it implemented the program and is one of the fastest growing airlines in all of Latin America.  The company has also been able to reduce carbon emissions by transporting guests in carbon neutral bio-diesel vans, replacing light bulbs, limiting copy paper, and recycling.   Its efforts are showing travelers an airline can be carbon neutral and help the environment, not harm it.

In May 2009 the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) named NatureAir the Tourism for Tomorrow Conservation Award winner for best demonstrating sustainable tourism practices, and commitment to the protection of its natural heritage.  NatureAir was selected for its 100% carbon neutral aviation program, that engages customers in a non-voluntary carbon offset scheme, and a commitment to fuel reduction in the air and on the ground.   NatueAir has developed Costa Rica’s only bio-diesel fueling station, and formed the non-profit foundation NatureKids, which teaches local communities English and Environmental studies.

      "For the first time, we have the airline sector represented...” said Costas Christ, Chairman of the (WTTC) Judging Panel.  "We are now seeing sustainable tourism principles and practices represented across much more diverse sectors of the global Travel & Tourism industry."

      "The economic crisis is a wake-up call” said NatureAir's CEO Alex Khajavi at the Summit held in Florianopolis, Brazil.  "We have to change the way that we do things ... NatureAir is the only company of its kind. We hoped that we would have more competitors in this field but this is sadly not yet the case."

In September 2008 NatureAir was named a finalist in the Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Awards.  NatureAir was honored for its leadership in social responsibility and its commitment to preserving the environment of Costa Rica.

In May 2008 NatureAir become the first airline in 20 years to be honored at the Rainforest Alliance annual Sustainable Innovator Awards.  NatureAir was recognized in the Corporate Sustainable Standard-Setters category.

In November 2007 NatureAir was given a highly commended recognition as the “best mode of low-carbon transportation and technology” at the 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards at the World Travel Market.

In June 2007 NatureAir was recognized by the International Community for Ecotourism.  NatureAir was honored for being the first airline to voluntarily compensate 100% of its carbon emissions, through its conservation of tropical forests. 

NatureAir is a member of several environmental organizations through which it educates travelers and the tourism industry on sustainable tourism.

•    International Ecotourism Society
•    Rainforest Alliance
•    World Heritage Alliance
•    Climate Neutral Network
•    International Air Transport Association 
•    American Society of Travel Agent
•    International Civil Aviation Organization
•    ICT Tourism Association
•    CANATUR
•    ACOPROT (Costa Rican Association of Tourism Professionals)

Alexi Huntley

PO Box 25216

SJO 788

Miami, Florida 33102

Tel: 506 2-299 6043