IATA Launches Integrated Sustainability Program to Strengthen Airlines’ Environmental Management
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) officially launched the Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP) during the World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) held in Hong Kong. This new certification system offers airlines a comprehensive sustainability management and evaluation framework, specifically designed for the air transport sector and based on the successful IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA).
A Comprehensive and Structured Approach
The ISP is not limited to simple certification: it combines training, consulting, assessments, guidelines, and tools distributed across four key modules:
1. Environmental Management
The Environmental Management module fully integrates the IEnvA program within the ISP, incorporating the principles of the ISO 14001:2015 standard. This enables airlines to measure their environmental footprint, manage their compliance obligations, and develop specific plans to control emissions, waste, water, noise, biodiversity, and pollution.
Airlines already holding IEnvA certification will be automatically incorporated into the ISP framework, with the option to add new modules or additional certifications.
2. Sustainable Procurement
For the first time, the air transport sector has a standard aligned with ISO 20400:2017. This module helps airlines assess and improve the sustainability of their supply chains and procurement, covering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects.
3. Social Responsibility
The Social Responsibility module combines the ISO 26000:2010 standard, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and OECD guidelines into a certifiable framework. Its objective is to help organizations identify social risks and opportunities, improve customer service, strengthen human rights due diligence processes, and foster ongoing relationships with communities.
4. Sustainability Performance
The final module allows for the measurement and monitoring of airlines’ ESG performance. With this tool, companies can report transparently and make decisions based on reliable data, in line with the sustainability objectives of regulators, customers, and investors.
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Certification and Transparency
ISP certifications can be obtained independently or as part of a fully integrated program. All will be subject to an independent evaluation cycle every two years, ensuring the continuity and credibility of the process.
“The ISP certification program validates that an airline manages its sustainability efforts at the highest level. It integrates environmental, social, and governance oversight, offering regulators, customers, and other stakeholders a transparent view of its progress,” highlighted Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist.
First to be Certified
During the event in Hong Kong, IATA announced that Air New Zealand and EVA Air are the first airlines to receive the Sustainable Procurement certification under the ISP.
Kiri Hannifin, General Manager of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs at Air New Zealand, stated: “As the national airline, we have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of our communities. With the ISP, we aim to raise sustainability standards in aviation and demonstrate that doing the right thing is also good business.”
For his part, Jason Liu, Director of Sustainability at EVA Air, noted: “Achieving this certification represents a milestone in our commitment to integrating sustainability into our procurement and strengthening a more resilient supply chain.”
Looking to the Future
IATA indicated that the ISP will evolve over time, working alongside a wide range of industry participants and stakeholders to ensure that the standards, guidelines, and certifications remain practical and effective.
Currently, the program is available only for airlines, though it is expected to expand to include ground handlers, cargo operators, airports, MRO workshops, and catering services.
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