The International Air Transport Association, or IATA, has launched the Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP) at the IATA World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Hong Kong.
The ISP is a comprehensive certification framework designed specifically for airlines, built upon the successful IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA).
The program aims to elevate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards across the aviation sector by providing a transparent and certifiable management system.
Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice President, Sustainability, IATA, said that the program “validates that an airline is managing its sustainability efforts at the highest level and in the broadest context,” providing a transparent view of progress to all stakeholders.
Four modular pillars:
The program is structured around four critical, yet independently certifiable, modules:
Environmental Management: This incorporated the preexisting IEnvA and aligned with ISO 14001:2015 principles to manage environmental footprints, including emissions, waste, and pollution.
Sustainable Procurement: This module, a first for aviation, introduces ISO 20400:2017-aligned standards to assess and improve the sustainability of the supply chain.
Social Responsibility: Integrates frameworks like ISO 26000:2010 to manage social risks, human rights due diligence, and community engagement.
Sustainability Performance: Facilitates the measurement and monitoring of overall ESG metrics to support transparent reporting and informed decision-making.
First movers:
Air New Zealand and EVA Air were announced as the first two carriers to receive the Sustainable Procurement certification under the new ISP framework.
Kiri Hannifin, Chief Sustainability Officer and Corporate Affairs Officer, Air New Zealand, said, “As New Zealand’s national airline, we’ve always had a responsibility to help our people and communities thrive. For Air New Zealand, sustainable procurement means building on the collective strength and innovation of our supplier network, and working together to create better outcomes for people and the planet.
“Earning this certification marks a key milestone in EVA Air’s sustainability journey, reflecting our commitment to integrating sustainability into procurement and collaborating with partners to build a more resilient supply chain,” said Jason Liu, Chief Sustainability Officer, EVA Air.
While the Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP) is currently available only to airlines, IATA plans to expand the program in the future to include other parts of the aviation ecosystem, such as airports, ground handlers, cargo operators, and caterers, ensuring a sector-wide commitment to high ESG standards.
