Qatar Airways Publishes 2015/2016 Sustainability Report

Doha, October 30 (QNA) - Qatar Airways Group has published its 2015/2016 Sustainability Report, a comprehensive review of the Group's environmental goals, policies and performance. The report shows that Qatar Airways delivered a 1.4 per cent 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. Qatar Airways' lower CO2 emission supports the industry to make progress towards its objective to improve efficiency by at least 25 per cent by 2020, compared to 2005 levels. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, 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," he added. The Qatar Airways Group has also made progress on the ground. Over the course of 2015/2016, over 35 per cent 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 per cent and 1.2 per cent 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 per cent 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 center 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. Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is one of the fastest growing airlines operating one of the youngest fleets in the world. Now in its 19th year of operations, Qatar Airways has a modern fleet of 190 aircraft flying to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations across six continents. (QNA)