Having achieved the foundation level of IATA"™s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification scheme, Qatar Airways has begun implementing additional environmental management system procedures to attain stage 2 certification. The programme will cover all aspects of the airline"™s global operations, including flight and ground operations, and corporate activities. By the end of 2017, it aims to have reached full industry certification of its approach to managing climate change, waste, water consumption and emissions. IATA Director General Tony Tyler said that while a number of airlines had implemented other comparable environmental management systems, IEnvA was the first system designed specifically for the aviation sector. Qatar Airways has also renewed its commitment to working with the industry"™s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG) to develop sustainable biofuels.
The IEnvA programme uses environmental standards and recommended practices developed for the aviation sector by a joint team of environmental experts from within and outside the industry. As part of the certification, IATA says it will independently assess the quality of Qatar Airway"™ environmental procedures and the extent to which its environmental management system is effectively implemented.
"Qatar Airways is a member of IATA"™s Environment Committee, and as such, our social and environmental responsibilities are of the upmost importance to us. We have made a firm commitment to allocating time and resources to continuously improving our environmental performance and establishing a sustainable aviation industry," said the airline"™s CEO Akbar Al Baker.
"Ensuring strong environmental governance is a collective challenge for the airline industry. Qatar Airways has been one of the pioneers of the IEnvA process and has pledged its support to lead the industry to establish a bespoke environmental certification scheme that meets the unique environmental challenges facing airlines."
Added Tyler: "I am delighted that Qatar Airways has satisfied the stage 1 assessment and committed to implementing the stage 2 standards. This makes Qatar Airways one of the world"™s leading carriers in the areas of environmental responsibility and sustainability»…
