OREANDA-NEWS. In celebration of Earth Month, United Airlines today announced an enhancement to its carbon-offset program that allows MileagePlus members to redeem their miles for offsets to cover the carbon emissions associated with their air travel. The company's existing program provides all United customers the opportunity to calculate and purchase offsets for their travel and cargo shipments, and now customers can use their frequent flyer miles to help the environment.

The new carbon-offset mileage-redemption program, the first of its kind to be offered by a U.S. carrier, supports projects that benefit renewable wind-power generation and forest conservation. When MileagePlus customers choose to offset their emissions after booking on united.com, they may select from a list of United Eco-Skies partners to redeem their miles for the offset.

"Our customers know that when they travel on United, they are giving their business to a company with an environmental commitment that is focused on fuel efficiency, advancing biofuels, and looking for more sustainable products and services," said United's Managing Director of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability Angela Foster-Rice. "This new MileagePlus carbon-offset program is another way we are providing our customers an opportunity to make a difference when they travel by contributing to emission-reducing projects."

United has been global leader in innovative carbon-offset solutions, and late last year became the first U.S. carrier to offer its customers a cargo-emissions calculator. The airline's carbon-offset solutions are designed in collaboration with Sustainable Travel International, a leading global non-governmental organization that specializes in innovative sustainable tourism and conservation solutions for destinations, businesses and travelers.