Airlines gain new sustainability framework as IATA unveils Integrated Sustainability Program

22 Oct

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched its Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP), a new certification framework offering airlines a comprehensive system for managing and assessing their sustainability performance.

This development is significant for UK-based business travellers because it will help airlines enhance their environmental and social responsibility standards - key factors influencing corporate travel policies and sustainable travel choices. As businesses in the UK increasingly prioritise sustainability, this initiative provides confidence that partner airlines are making measurable progress towards responsible operations.

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist, said the comprehensive ISP certification

“validates that an airline is managing its sustainability efforts at the highest level and in the broadest context. It does this by integrating the monitoring of environmental, social, and governance measures and providing all stakeholders, regulators, and customers with a transparent view of the progress. This comes with the added value of being designed for airlines’ specific needs, making ISP a practical framework to inform decision-making while ensuring that airlines’ efforts are aligned with global best practices.”

Built upon the successful IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA), ISP provides a structured approach to sustainability across four core modules: Environmental Management, Sustainable Procurement, Social Responsibility, and Sustainability Performance. Airlines can pursue these certifications individually or as an integrated programme, with independent reassessments every two years to maintain standards.

The Environmental Management module integrates IEnvA principles with ISO14001:2015, supporting airlines in managing emissions, waste, noise, biodiversity, and pollution. The Sustainable Procurement module introduces ISO20400:2017-aligned standards to aviation for the first time, ensuring supply chains meet environmental and ethical benchmarks. The Social Responsibility module incorporates ISO26000:2010, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and OECD guidelines to help airlines enhance community engagement and human rights practices. The Sustainability Performance module enables airlines to measure, monitor, and report ESG progress transparently in line with global regulatory and investor expectations.

At the World Sustainability Symposium in Hong Kong, Air New Zealand and EVA Air were announced as the first airlines to achieve the Sustainable Procurement certification under ISP. Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, said the airline aims

“to build on the collective strength and innovation of our supplier network, and work together to create better outcomes for people and the planet”

EVA Air’s Chief Sustainability Officer Jason Liu added that certification marks

“a key milestone in EVA Air’s sustainability journey.”

The ISP will continue to evolve, expanding beyond airlines to include ground handlers, airports, maintenance providers, and caterers, ensuring sustainability becomes a shared responsibility across the aviation ecosystem.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, said the introduction of IATA’s ISP

“is great news for UK business travellers who want to make responsible choices when booking flights. Programmes like this provide transparency and assurance that airlines are taking real, measurable steps towards sustainability - a key factor for many of our corporate clients.”

IATA represents around 350 airlines, accounting for more than 80% of global air traffic. The ISP has been developed in collaboration with leading carriers and industry partners, including Air Canada, Emirates, Qatar Airways, International Airlines Group, and Finnair.

Contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager for information about sustainable business travel and the GTM Carbon Offset Programme.