Qatar Airways announced its accreditation to the highest level of the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Environmental Assessment programme (IEnvA). Exceeding its deadline set in March 2016, Qatar Airways is the first airline in the Middle East, and the fifth worldwide, to achieve IEnvA Stage 2.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, was presented with the IEnvA Stage 2 certificate by Alexandre de Juniac, director general and chief executive officer of IATA, during H.E. Mr. Al Baker’s inaugural meeting as the new Chair-Elect of IATA’s Board of Governors in Geneva.
On accepting the certificate, H.E. Mr. Al Baker said: “I am proud to receive this acknowledgment of our success in developing and embedding a comprehensive environmental management system in the year we celebrate our twentieth anniversary. Looking back over the last two decades, we have transformed from an emerging regional airline to a world leader in aviation. As we continue to build our global network, we remain committed to dedicating the leadership and resources needed to meet our vision for environmental sustainability.
“Our continued involvement in IATA’s environmental programmes positions Qatar Airways at the forefront in establishing a sustainable aviation industry.”
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and chief executive officer, said: “We offer our congratulations to Qatar Airways for successfully completing Stage 2 of IATA’s environmental assessment program, and our thanks to them for their continuing leadership in environmental performance. IEnvA accreditation is independently assessed and aligned with internationally recognised standards, and the voluntary commitment of Qatar Airways and other airlines to the IEnvA program is further evidence of the airline sector’s determination to meet and exceed the highest environmental standards.”
Through its environmental management system, Qatar Airways has implemented a range of initiatives to improve environmental performance. This includes carriers systematic approach to aviation fuel efficiency, which focuses on weight reduction, route optimisation, and aircraft performance. This initiative has delivered savings which include 1,800 tonnes fuel (5,600 tonnes CO2) through optimising potable water upload, and 4,800 tonnes fuel (15,300 tonnes CO2) by reducing the use of engines while taxing on arrival at Hamad International Airport.
Further, the environmental management system has reinforced business processes to improve how the airline engages its suppliers. In particular, it has launched a new Sustainable Procurement Charter and promotes the use of sustainably-sourced items within its award winning in-flight catering.
