Emirates cuts environmental impact

Emirates Group’s 201617 report presents environmental sustainability initiatives

The Emirates Group is investing in its people, new systems, technologies and infrastructure to enable it to continue develop business profitably and sustainably, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group, said.

The Emirates Group, comprising Emirates airline and dnata, yesterday published its seventh annual Environmental Report which outlines the group’s environmental performance for the financial year 2016-17.

Audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the report presents environmental sustainability initiatives and performance data from a range of group activities covering airline operations, dnata’s cargo and ground handling businesses, and other commercial activities such as engineering and catering.

In a statement, Shaikh Ahmad said 2016-17 was a testing year with a series of social, economic and political events that hit consumer confidence and travel demand. “Yet our strong track record, business foundation, and brand reputation have stood us in good stead, enabling us to weather these turbulent times,” he said. “Our journey to transform our business will open new opportunities to improve levels of resource efficiency, building up our business resilience.”

With 2017 being the United Nations International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the Group said it has linked its environmental priorities to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Operating an eco-efficient fleet, Emirates during the year retired the last remaining Airbus A340s and A330s. It now only operates a passenger fleet of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

The group’s efforts during the year to enhance operational efficiency across the business also helped to reduce costs and its environmental impact.