Qatar Airways publishes its 2015-2016 Sustainability Report

Qatar Airways Group has published its 2015/2016 Sustainability Report, which provides a comprehensive review of the group’s environmental goals, policies and performance.

In addition to operating one of the world’s most modern and fuel efficient fleets, Qatar Airways delivered a 1.4% improvement in fuel efficiency in 2015/2016 compared to the prior year.  This was achieved through a combination of innovative and highly effective initiatives, including optimised weight management, single-engine taxiing and reduced auxiliary power unit usage at Hamad International Airport.

Already one of the industry’s most efficient airlines, Qatar’s Airways’ lower CO2 emissions supports the industry to make progress towards its objective to improve efficiency by at least 25% by 2020, compared to 2005 levels.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “At Qatar Airways we take our role in the international aviation community very seriously.  We lead by example in sustainability matters such as the management of our greenhouse gas emissions, through to the protection of wildlife and endangered species. As a global airline serving more than 150 destinations on five continents, every corner of the globe is important to us. We will continue our progress and help lead our industry to achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020.

“As the national airline of the State of Qatar, we are proud to support and actively pursue the Qatar National Vision for 2030 and its environmental principle to maintain a balance between economic and social development to protect the environment.”

Qatar Airways is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, with a fleet of 190 aircraft averaging five years of age. Latest-generation aircraft, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing Dreamliner, are considerably more efficient than older aircraft, and allows the airline to continue to grow while improving efficiency.

The Qatar Airways Group has also made progress on the ground. Over the course of 2015/2016, over 35% of non-hazardous waste produced at Hamad International Airport was recycled every month. In addition, following an enhanced focus on energy conservation, Hamad International Airport improved the average efficiency of CO2 per passenger by 4.0% and 1.2% per aircraft using the airport during 2015 compared to 2014. Hamad International Airport handled 1.5 tonnes of cargo, nearly 250,000 aircraft movements and served 30 million people over the course of the year, and will continue to grow to meet demand for Qatar Airways’ expanding service.

The Qatar Airways Group has made conservation of natural resources a key pillar in its sustainability programme. Hamad International Airport’s waste water treatment plant allows 95% of captured water to be re-used in irrigation. Facilities for activities such as aircraft and vehicle washing incorporate water-recycling systems to further support Qatar Airways Group’s efforts to conserve natural resources.

A key element of Qatar Airways’ sustainability effort is the airline’s support of wildlife and nature conservation. The airline was an inaugural signatory to the United for Wildlife Transport Industry Declaration at Buckingham Palace, committing to the zero tolerance of the illegal transportation of endangered flora and fauna. In addition, as the world’s third-largest cargo carrier, Qatar Airways Cargo adheres to industry best-practice for the welfare of live animals during transportation.

Qatar Airways Cargo offers a dedicated live animal centre at Hamad International Airport which spans over 4,200m2 and provides accommodation and inspection of live animals, ranging from horses and camels to dogs, cats, fish and fowl. The facility includes veterinary inspections, a paddock for horses to exercise and specialist supervision before and after the flight.

The Qatar Airways Group participates in the industry’s leading environmental bodies, including the International Air Transport Association Environmental Committee, comprising working groups focusing on climate change, wildlife transportation, cabin waste and alternative fuels; the Arab Air Carrier Organisation Environmental Policy Group, contributing to the development of regional and global aviation environmental policy; and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel User Group, engaging airlines with an interest in developing and using sustainable aviation fuels.