Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Riyadh Air, the newly established premier airline of Saudi Arabia, has declared its affiliation with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the foremost global initiative for corporate sustainability, emphasizing ethical corporate behavior and progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In a direct communication with António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, Riyadh Air’s CEO, Tony Douglas, pledged the airline’s commitment to the UNGC’s Ten Principles, encompassing human rights, labor standards, environmental conservation, and anti-corruption measures. As a new member of the UNGC, Riyadh Air is set to integrate these principles into its operations, ensuring regular updates on its sustainability initiatives.
Aiming to contribute significantly to the 17 UN SDGs, Riyadh Air plans to work closely with various partners to foster achievement of these goals by 2030. An inaugural Sustainability Report is also on the horizon, slated for release before the airline’s first flight in mid-2025.
Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air said, “At Riyadh Air, we are conscious of our environmental impact and committed to actively contributing to the Kingdom’s sustainability goals, adopting world-class practices and leading our industry in integrating ESG into every area of our business.”
“Our modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and GeNX 1B engine are widely acknowledged for their improved environmental impact considerations, and more broadly ESG strategies are front and center to every aspect of how Riyadh Air operates. We pledge to take no shortcuts and sustainability will run throughout the airline, from flight and ground operations to the office culture, to transportation and even to Riyadh Air employees at home. As a start-up airline this a golden opportunity to do the right thing in the right way, from Day 1,” continued Douglas.
Since its inception in July 2000, the UNGC has aimed to inspire businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and responsible practices. Riyadh Air’s engagement with the UNGC is expected to provide access to a wealth of resources for enhancing its team’s expertise in sustainability.
Ibrahim Alhelali, Executive Director, UNGC said, “We are pleased to announce that Riyadh Air has joined the UN Global Compact network in Saudi Arabia. Their commitment to aviation sustainability is evident in their decision to join the network one year prior to commencing operations, showcasing their dedication to responsible business practices.”
Scheduled to commence operations in 2025, Riyadh Air aspires to be a leading example of sustainable aviation, leveraging cutting-edge technology and providing unparalleled service and hospitality. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, contributing to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by diversifying its economy, boosting non-oil GDP, and generating over 200,000 jobs both domestically and internationally.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
