Emirates launches a series of new initiatives to further improve environmental operations performance
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum pictured at Emirates’ conservation resort, the Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in the Blue Mountains in Sydney, Australia
Fri 15 Aug 2008 – Coinciding with the delivery of its first Airbus A380 superjumbo, Emirates has unveiled a programme, branded Emvironment, which includes the adoption of a new environmental policy for the Group and a global staff awareness campaign, together with internal goals to reduce energy consumption and waste, as well as increase recycling and training.
“Emirates is committed to acting responsibly and sustainably in the interests of our customers, our business, the environment and the 100-plus destinations we serve worldwide,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airlines and Group. “Our environmental commitment began well before it was considered fashionable, when we sponsored the creation of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in 1997.
“Emirates is investing billions of dollars in new aircraft that demonstrate our environmental leadership through the most fuel- and emission-efficient fleet possible. Our A380s are the world’s most eco-efficient commercial aircraft. Emvironment’s aim is to make our organization as sustainable as possible and we intend to keep our stakeholders regularly informed on progress and future initiatives.”
The airline says it is investing heavily in new research and technologies to address environmental challenges, pointing to its pioneering involvement with the Flex Track operations developed by Airservices Australia to use onboard navigational technology that saves time, fuel and emissions. It also claims its kitchens at Emirates Flight Catering are among the most eco-efficient in the world and recycle over 100 tonnes of paper, plastic and aluminium a month.
“From an environmental perspective, Emirates has much to be proud of, particularly our advanced fleet and use of technology to minimize our footprint,” said Andrew Parker, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Public and Environmental Affairs. “While much of this work has been underway for many years, the new Emvironment programme will provide a strategic underpinning to further improve our environmental performance.
“We intend to do more to demonstrate industry leadership, including the adoption of higher standards in fuel burn; onboard weight reduction; procurement; resource consumption; and recycling. On the ground, this particularly means more efficient use of energy and water.”
Next year, Emirates will open what it describes as one of the world’s most environmentally ambitious conservation resorts, the 4000-acre (1600ha) Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in the Blue Mountains in Australia. The project involves restoring distressed farming land back to its native state and reintroducing endangered fauna and flora. Emirates says the $69 million resort will occupy just one percent of the total land mass.
Emirates has launched a new section on its website that features information on the Group’s management of environmental issues.
