Qantas is extending its carbon offset program to help travel agents provide carbon-neutral flights.

The airline is offering agents the ability to purchase offsets when booking flights in the indirect channel, with the feature made possible through the NDC-enabled Qantas Distribution Platform (QDP).

The ability to ‘Fly Carbon Neutral’ has traditionally only been available to Qantas customers who tick the box when booking flights directly via the airline’s website.

However, all travel agents who are making bookings using content from the QDP now have access to the Fly Carbon Neutral feature.

“Many of our customers have told us how important it is for them to be able to offset their flight, and until now, those who booked through a travel agent weren’t able to do so conveniently,” Qantas’ executive manager sales and distribution, Igor Kwiatkowski, said.

“As we carry Australians to their destinations, we’re very conscious of working to minimise the impact we have on the environment.

“This development is part of that sustainability strategy, while also delivering on our commitment to better support the industry in selling and servicing their bookings with Qantas.”

In November 2019, the airline set an ambitious target to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with a spate of new eco-friendly commitments.

Qantas promised it would double the number of flights being offset, cap new emissions from 2020 onwards and invest $50 million over 10 years to help develop a sustainable aviation fuel industry.

The airline has been making headlines recently, after confirming it would make a COVID-19 vaccine mandatory on for those travelling internationally with Qantas once one becomes available.

In fact, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said he reckons vaccines could kickstart international travel before travel “bubbles” between low-risk countries can be established.

To find out how to connect to the QDP, go HERE or speak with your technology partner.

Featured image source: iStock/BeyondImages