Says Environmental Commitment Began In 1997 -- "Well Before It Was Fashionable"

With its first Airbus A380 superjumbo now flying between Dubai and the US, Emirates recently unveiled a series of new initiatives to improve the environmental performance of its operations worldwide. The program, branded Emvironment, includes the adoption of a new environmental policy for the Emirates Group, a global staff awareness campaign, and internal goals to reduce energy consumption and waste, as well as increase recycling and training.

Emirates has also launched a new section on its website that features information on the Group's management of environmental issues. The site -- at the FMI link below -- outlines Emirates' environmental policies, the eco-efficiency of the A380 and wider fleet, the airline's conservation-based resort projects, efforts currently in practice across the Group, and information on flight operations that positively impact fuel and emission reduction.  

"Emirates is committed to acting responsibly and sustainably in the interests of our customers, our business, the environment and the 100-plus destinations we serve worldwide," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and CEO. "Our environmental commitment began well before it was considered fashionable, when we sponsored the creation of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in 1997."

Emvironment will focus on reducing already low levels of per passenger fuel-burn and emissions and driving eco-efficiency throughout the organization by reducing, recycling and reusing resources. 

Al-Maktoum adds Emirates is investing billions of dollars in new aircraft that are fuel efficient, and enviromentally responsible. The biggest (literally) example of Emirates' plan is the A380, billed as the most enviromentally-friendly airliner on the planet on a per-passenger basis.

"Emvironment's aim is to make our organization as sustainable as possible and we intend to keep our stakeholders regularly informed on progress and future initiatives," he said.

Emirates invests heavily in new research and technologies to address the world's environmental challenges. For example, the airline helped to pioneer Flextrack with Airservices Australia to use onboard navigational technology that saves time, fuel and emissions. Kitchens at Emirates Flight Catering are among the most eco-efficient in the world and recycle over 110 tons of paper, plastic and aluminum a month.

Next year, Emirates will open one of the world's most environmentally ambitious conservation resorts, the 4000-acre Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa in the Blue Mountains in Australia. The project involves restoring vast tracks of distressed farming land back to its native state and reintroducing endangered fauna and flora. The US $69 million resort will only occupy about one percent of the total land mass. 

FMI: www.emirates.com/english/about/environment