London (AFP)

EasyJet launched a green offensive on Tuesday with the carbon offsetting of all its flights, as the airline sector is under pressure to further combat climate change.

The British airline says in a statement that it will be the first company in the world to achieve carbon neutrality.

To comply with its objective, EasyJet will have recourse to operators of "carbon offsetting" services, the effectiveness of which remains disputed, in particular by non-governmental environmental organizations.

EasyJet says it will pay 25 million pounds (29.2 million euros) next year for this purpose and argues that it will help finance so-called "green" projects, such as reforestation or renewable energies.

"We are committed to having carbon-neutral flights through our network, which is a world first for an airline," said Johan Lundgren, CEO of the group, during a conference call.

He has swept away criticism of the limits of "carbon offsetting" that can slow down the efforts of major groups to reduce their own pollution and put effort on others.

"It's not a scam, it's been scientifically proven to work," he said. Earlier, on the BBC, he had explained that it was not an ideal solution while defending all "+ greenwashing +", that is to say to seek to "green" his image.

This is not the opinion of Doug Parr, the Greenpeace NGO in the United Kingdom, who says that "their planes are not carbon neutral at all".

"There is nothing exemplary about the climate by asking someone else somewhere to pollute less, or plant more trees.If EasyJet wants to take its share, it should tax flights to reduce their number, "he said.

The cross-channel company Eurostar announced last week that it also plans to offset its carbon emissions by planting one tree per trip between London and the continent, also defending itself from wanting to "green" its reputation.

- Hybrid aircraft? -

EasyJet explains that the use of "carbon offsets" is temporary pending the development of technology capable of flying hybrid or electric aircraft.

It also announced a memorandum of understanding with the European giant Airbus to think about how to introduce a new generation of clean aircraft on the market and to exploit them commercially.

EasyJet recalls that he is already working with the American manufacturer Wright Electric on a future electric plane, which he hopes to launch on short-haul in less than ten years.

The company has also committed to the modernization of its fleet, with less fuel-efficient aircraft, which has allowed it, according to it, to reduce its CO2 emissions per passenger by one third since 2000.

The group announced Tuesday an order of 12 A320neo, known to be more efficient in terms of fuel consumption, bringing to 159 these aircraft in its fleet.

Aviation accounts for about 2% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

According to figures from the European Environment Agency, the carbon emissions of air transport far exceed those of other modes of transport.

In recent months, citizens are even mobilizing to call for a boycott of the plane, particularly in Sweden where the movement "flight shaming" (incitement to fly) encourages travelers to choose other means of transport.

EasyJet has also published on Tuesday half-hearted results for 2018-2019 with a net profit down 2.5%, penalized by the uncertainties of the Brexit and the slowdown in the European economy and a very competitive market.

The group remains cautious for next year and expects a growth in the number of seats offered lower than usual.

He will also launch offers of stays for his British customers to enjoy a more open market less than two months after the bankruptcy of tour operator Thomas Cook.

© 2019 AFP