Switzerland-based helicopter company and flight school Swiss Helicopter has been implementing a sustainability strategy that enables it to carry out all passenger flights in a climate-neutral manner, reducing its CO₂ emissions by around a quarter. From now on, the company will offer CO₂-neutral cargo and training flights as well. This is made possible by the use of sustainable fuels and CO₂ compensation projects through partner company Carbonfuture.

“It is very important to us that we can make a valuable contribution to climate protection together with our customers,” says CEO Rolf Heuberger. “We are convinced that customers will accept the slightly higher costs for passenger flights.” The company says it will bear the majority of the additional costs itself.

The strategy is also a response to growing customer needs. Heuberger adds: “There is a great demand for a sustainable solution for helicopter flights from both private guests and corporate customers.” Hans Egli, Alpine hut warden of the Zwinglipasshütte, Wildhaus says: “Despite the “Höttetragetä”, in which the members of the SAC Toggenburg carry half of the material (around eight to 10 tons) to the hut, we are dependent on the helicopter. This mode of transport is actually contrary to the ecological behaviour that the SAC is committed to. But for us, the CO₂ neutrality of transport flights is an important step in the right direction."

Swiss Helicopter is convinced that its role as a pioneer will pay off and that many other aviation companies will soon follow its example. Fabrizio Balsarini, pilot and base manager Samedan, says: “The awareness around sustainable offers is constantly increasing, as is the desire for CO₂-neutral flights. I am glad that we can now offer our customers a good solution.”

Swiss Helicopter has achieved climate neutrality of its flights in part by reducing the use of fossil fuels and replacing them with SAF. However, due to high demand from aviation companies, low production volumes and the associated high prices, SAF is currently only available in limited quantities. Moreover, the current legal situation allows for a maximum blend of 50 per cent SAF.

In order to still be able to fly in a climate-neutral manner, Swiss Helicopter is dependent on being able to compensate for the remaining emissions. This is achieved through cooperation with Germany-based Carbonfuture, active in the field of recovering CO₂ from the air using biochar. Through the charring of biomass such as wood waste, the CO₂ is solidified and committed to long-term storage.