Croatia Airlines Becomes First Airline in the World to be Awarded ‘White Flag’

International recognition for Croatia’s national carrier Croatia Airlines on Thursday as it was awarded a ‘White Flag’ by the Global UnderWater Awareness Association (GUWAA)…

White Flag, in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and GUWAA, was created in order to protect all life in the water as well as life above the surface, all of which is dependent on this precious natural resource.

Croatia Airlines received the White flag for their participation in the project of cleaning the seabed in the area of Žaborić beach near Šibenik on the Dalmatian coast this summer. Croatia Airlines also ran a promotional film about protecting life in and above the sea on its aircrafts to raise public awareness of the project.

“Croatia Airlines for 25 years have continuously invested in the protection and preservation of the ecosystem by promoting environmentally responsible action, as well as the introduction of many technical and technological improvements in the business,” said Krešimir Kučko, CEO of Croatia Airlines, adding that despite popular belief, aircraft are less polluting than cars.

“For example an Airbus 320 travelling from Zagreb to Split emits about 36 kilograms of carbon dioxide per passenger, a passenger car on the same route emits about 46 kilograms.”

A number of businesses in Croatia already have been awarded White Flags, including hotel Bellevue in Mali Lošinj, hotel Crvena luka in Biograd na Moru, Zlatni rat beach in Bol on the island of Brač, two beaches in Brela, hotel Split in Podstrana, Blitz Cinestar cinema and Vern.