SkyTeam Launches Sustainability Standards

SkyTeam unveils an alliance-wide shared sustainability ambition with Sustainability Standards 1.0

The Sustainable Flight Challenge is just one of many SkyTeam initiatives to innovate and pursue a more sustainable operating model.

On 31 March, SkyTeam launched Sustainability Standards 1.0, marking the first step towards setting an alliance-wide shared sustainability ambition.

The primary goal is to support member airlines to make a positive impact on sustainability by implementing measurement and tracking systems as part of their core activities.

The Standards land within three key areas, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs):

Employee Welfare & Equality, (UNSDGs 5 & 8)

We care for the communities where we live and serve. Being a great, safe place to work contributes to the health and well-being of our people, which comes full circle in the excellent service they deliver to our customers. And in this process, we embrace diversity and inclusivity at all levels across our organizations – for example, by becoming the first global alliance to sign up to IATA’s 25by2025.

Operating Footprint (UNSDGs 9 & 12)

We’re working to minimize our footprint in a way that allows for our operations to be lasting. We plan to increase reusable onboard materials and swap out single-use plastics for biodegradable alternatives. And we’re keen to work alongside stakeholders who share our vision, too, including our customers and suppliers.

Energy & Climate Action (UNSDGs 7 & 13)

We’re charting a path towards net-zero emissions by 2050 – both from direct fuel use in our aircraft and from supporting operations. On aircraft fuel use, we’re rolling out innovations to reduce overall fuel burn, and making longer-term commitments to the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels. In supporting operations, we’re increasing our use of clean energy sources, from harnessing renewable power at our facilities, to electrification of ground support vehicles.