Emirates Achieves IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Certification, Bolstering Environmental Commitment
Emirates, a global leader in the aviation industry, has reaffirmed its dedication to environmentally responsible practices through the successful attainment of the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Stage One certification. This significant accomplishment is a testament to Emirates’ unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and comes hand in hand with the acquisition of the IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade module certification.
The IEnvA system stands as a pinnacle of industry-standard environmental management systems. Emirates has effectively implemented the initial phase of its core scope, covering flight operations, corporate activities, and a dedicated module targeting illegal wildlife trade. This comprehensive endeavor showcases Emirates’ longstanding environmental advocacy towards the preservation of wildlife and their habitats.
Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Emirates’ Divisional Senior VP, International Affairs, expressed pride in achieving the IEnvA Stage One certification. He emphasized how this achievement underscores the airline’s continuous efforts to promote impactful environmental sustainability initiatives. The successful integration of the illegal wildlife trade module further solidifies Emirates’ position as a global trailblazer in combating wildlife trafficking and exploitation. Sheikh Majid highlighted the airline’s multifaceted approach to environmental responsibility, including their closed-loop recycling program and the landmark flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Chief Economist and SVP Sustainability, lauded Emirates’ accomplishment and its significance. The IEnvA Stage One certification serves as a clear indication of the airline’s steady progress toward full IEnvA Certification. Thomsen expressed how stakeholders across the spectrum will recognize Emirates’ commitment to global sustainability standards and the continuous drive for improvement. She emphasized the shared goal of reducing environmental impacts, combating wildlife trafficking, and enhancing social responsibility.
Emirates has positioned itself as a stalwart in the global fight against illegal wildlife trafficking and exploitation. This stance reflects the airline’s aspiration to protect the world’s natural beauty and biodiversity, thereby inspiring present and future generations of travelers. As a founding signatory of the Buckingham Palace Declaration and a member of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce, Emirates is at the forefront of the battle against wildlife crime.
Emirates SkyCargo, the airline’s cargo arm, upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy toward illegal wildlife trade. It enforces a complete ban on transporting hunting trophies for the “Big Four” species. Beyond the confines of cargo, Emirates extends wildlife awareness training to various employee sectors, including Cabin Crew, Emirates Airport Services, and the Emirates Group Security team. The attainment of the IEnvA Illegal Wildlife Trade certification underscores the comprehensive and collective commitment of the entire organization toward decisive action.
Ian Cruickshank, Transport Taskforce Manager, United for Wildlife, lauded Emirates for its unyielding dedication to combat wildlife trafficking. Cruickshank acknowledged the airline’s exceptional leadership and congratulated the team on their certification achievement, highlighting the ongoing collaboration aimed at curbing wildlife crime on a global scale.
Earlier this year, Emirates showcased its commitment to sustainability with a staggering US$200 million allocation for research and development projects targeting the reduction of fossil fuel impact in commercial aviation. Over three years, this financial commitment represents one of the aviation industry’s largest single investments in sustainability. By engaging with prominent organizations, Emirates is poised to play a vital role in pioneering innovative solutions to the sector’s most pressing challenges.
Emirates’ IEnvA Stage One and Illegal Wildlife Trade module certifications underscore the airline’s commitment to a greener future and a thriving natural world. In the aviation landscape, Emirates continues to soar not only in the skies but also as a beacon of environmental responsibility.
