Global air and travel services provider dnata became the first combined air services provider to receive the International Air Transport Association’s environmental management certification IEnvA, recognizing its commitment to sustainability across its diverse portfolio of businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
IEnvA, or the IATA Environmental Assessment, is a certification program developed to independently assess the commitment of aviation stakeholders, such as airlines, airports, cargo handling facilities, freight forwarders, and ramp handlers, to continuously improve their environmental and sustainability performance.
IATA’s comprehensive evaluation encompassed 74 mandatory and all three optional modules, rigorously assessing the company’s sustainability practices and efforts across its extensive operations in the UAE. In addition to its corporate headquarters, ground handling, and cargo businesses, dnata’s airport hospitality brand, Marhaba, and inflight catering joint venture, Alpha Flight Services (Alpha), have also been certified through IEnvA’s hospitality module. DUBZ, the baggage technology and logistics company, also received the certification. This remarkable outcome attests to the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest sustainability standards.
“We are immensely proud to be the first combined air services provider to achieve the full scope of the IEnvA certification in the UAE. This accomplishment speaks volumes about our team’s dedication to sustainability and responsible business practices across our operations. We will continue our investments in people, infrastructure, and equipment to maximize environmental efficiency while consistently delivering best-in-class services for our customers and travelers in the UAE and beyond,” said Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group.
Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA SVP for sustainability, and chief economist, said, “This is a remarkable achievement that reflects dnata’s unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability and responsible business practices. I commend the efforts of everyone involved and wish dnata continued success in their role in our industry’s sustainability journey.”
On track to 20% carbon footprint reduction by 2024
dnata recently announced that it was on track to reduce its carbon footprint and waste-to-landfill by 20% by 2024 as part of its two-year green operations strategy. Previously, the company committed $100 million to implement green technology and initiatives across its businesses to achieve its strategic objectives. The company’s recent key initiatives include continued significant investment in infrastructure, green ground support solutions, and process improvement.
Established in 1959, dnata offers quality and safe ground handling, cargo, travel, catering, and retail services in over 30 countries across six continents. In financial year 2022-23, dnata’s customer-oriented teams handled over 710,000 aircraft turns, moved over 2.7 million tons of cargo, uplifted 111.4 million meals, and recorded a total transaction value of travel services of $1.9 billion. (Story and photos courtesy of dnata)