Qatar Airways has 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, HE Akbar Al Baker, was presented with the IEnvA Stage 2 certificate by Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of IATA, during HE Al Baker’s inaugural meeting as the new Chair-Elect of IATA’s Board of Governors in Geneva on 1 December 2017.

Sustainable in-flight catering

Through its environmental management system, Qatar Airways has implemented a range of initiatives to improve environmental performance. This includes Qatar Airways’ 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.

A central part of Qatar Airways’ Environmental Management System involves providing its employees with the skills to deliver effective environmental management on a day-to-day basis. During 2016, in partnership with the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), Qatar Airways launched a leading-edge environmental competency matrix to set skill requirements for every employee and incorporated environmental responsibilities into the job descriptions of all airline employees globally. Qatar Airways is now developing innovative environmental training packages, including interactive and engaging e-learning modules, which will engage its workforce in environmental management and contribute to business resilience.

Combating wildlife crime across transportation networks

Qatar Airways has been an active member of IATA’s Environment Committee since 2009. This policy group of appointed airline representatives focuses on aviation industry solutions for environmental challenges, including climate change, illegal transportation of endangered wildlife, cabin waste, alternative fuels and social responsibility. Qatar Airways has recently accepted the nomination to Chair IATA’s Environmental Assessment Oversight Council – the body which provides governance over the IEnvA programme Standards Manual on behalf of its members.