The Costa Rican domestic airline, Sansa, has announced that it has invested US$25 million in the acquisition of new aircrafts as well as the improvement of its main terminals.

Sansa, who is part of Taca Airlines, announced that it purchased 12 brand new Cessna Grand Caravan 2008 that will be incorporated to their fleet by 2009.  The airline has received 2 of the aircrafts thus far and is expecting 2 more by December 2008.   The remaining 8 aircrafts will be arriving by 2009 and will bring the total fleet number up to 19 planes.

The new Cessna Grand Caravan has a seating capacity for 12 passengers as well as ergonomic leather seats.  In addition, the airplanes are equipped with Garmin 1000 avionics suite that displays flight instrumentation, navigation, weather, terrain, traffic and engine data via 3 LCD screens.

Sansa also presented its new terminal located in the Juan Santamaria International Airport that has added some upgrades based on a recent customer survey.  The new Sansa Terminal has doubled its size as well as added independent entrances and exits.

LCD screens were added in which passengers can enjoy entertainment and informative shows as well as learn about important flight information.  A coffee shop was also added where travelers can enjoy refreshments and snacks.  The smaller terminals in Puerto Jimenez, Arenal and Coto 47 also received a few upgrades as well.

The airline’s website was also revamped allowing airline officials a more intuitive relationship with its customers.  Travelers will be able to find special flight promotions as well as mileage promotions at the airline’s website.

Fernando Naranjo, president of Taca Costa Rica, mentioned that the improvements and aircraft additions are a clear message to the world of the airline’s commitment to the tourists.  Sansa has reported a 10% increase for the year and expect to maintain their growth rate in 2009.

Nature Air Joins the United Nations Climate Neutral Network

The first airline to achieve Carbon-Neutral status in the world has taken yet another step further in its constant commitment to protecting the environment and contributing to local communities in need.

The domestic airline that services 17 destinations within Costa Rica and Panama, has joined the Climate Neutral Network (CN Net) managed by the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP).  The program promotes global actions towards low carbon emission economies and societies.

Aside from having the distinction of being the first C-Neutral airline in the world, Nature Air has added another first to its lists by becoming the first airline to join the CN Net.  The program seeks to decrease carbon gas emissions from around the world through its striving network of countries, cities, international companies, United Nations agencies from around the globe and leading NGO’s.

The alarming amount of gas emissions produced by the airline industry alone, pushed Nature Air’s founder and CEO, Alex E. Khajavi to make a difference in the industry while at the same time setting an example for other socially conscious airlines to follow.  According to research, the airline industry is responsible for 3% of the global gas emissions today; this is the equivalent of the gas emission produced by the entire continent of Africa.

Nature Air’s first step in contributing to lower its carbon footprint in the world started in 2004 when the company committed to fully compensate for its gas emissions by protecting and reforesting the tropical forests in Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast.  Nature Air’s contribution to the environment has also played an important role in Costa Rica’s goal to become a carbon neutral country by the year 2021.