NetJets Europe is building carbon offsetting costs into its fractional ownership prices in a bid to become a fully carbon-neutral operation by 2012. Starting October 1, all new and renewed clients will purchase credits that cancel out the carbon they burn when they take flights. Current customers will be asked to voluntarily sign up for the program as part of their existing contracts. Meanwhile, NetJets in the U.S. is also supporting the group’s new climate initiative, but it will be an entirely voluntary program. In Europe, the offset charges will increase flight hour prices by 0.05 percent, and for an average customer this will equate to an additional $5,400 per year. Money raised from the offset program will fund research at Princeton University into the development of an ultra-low-emission jet fuel that could be burned in current turbofans. NetJets Europe is also recruiting an environmental affairs manager and says it is further reducing the carbon effects of its operations by investing in fuel-efficient jets.