dnata has become the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) environmental management certification as a recognition of its commitment to sustainability across its businesses in the United Arab Emirates.

The IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) is a certification programme developed to independently assess the commitment of aviation stakeholders such as airlines, airports, cargo handling facilities, freight forwarders, and ramp handlers, to continuously improve their environmental and sustainability performance.

IATA’s comprehensive evaluation encompassed 74 mandatory and all three optional modules, which rigorously assessed dnata’s sustainability practices and efforts across its operations in the UAE. Dnata received certifacation for its corporate headquarters, ground handling and cargo businesses, its airport hospitality brand ‘marhaba’, and inflight catering joint venture Alpha Flight Services (Alpha). Also achieving the certification was DUBZ, dnata’s baggage technology and logistics company.

dnata recently announced that it was on track to reduce its carbon footprint and waste to landfill by 20 percent by 2024 as part of its 2-year ‘green operations’ strategy. The company has earmarked US$100 million to implement technology and initiatives to achieve its strategic objectives. These include continued significant investment in infrastructure, green ground support solutions and process improvement.