Etihad Airways, the national carrier of UAE, received two awards for ‘Best Sustainability Communication Programme’ and ‘Sustainability Manager of the Year’ at the recent Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group’s first awards ceremony.

In the first category for Best Sustainability Communication Programme, the airline was successful for its ‘BIOjet: Flight Path to Sustainability' programme while Linden Coppell, Head of Sustainability at Etihad Airways, won the Sustainability Manager of the Year award.

The Biojet initiative was undertaken to create a commercially viable alternative to aviation fuel in Abu Dhabi, and saw vital progress made in the approval of a new technology pathway for aviation biofuel, which will be of significance to the global aviation industry.

James Hogan, president and chief executive officer for Etihad Airways, said: “As a company, our airline has a commitment to putting sustainability at the core of its business, integrated into day-to-day operations and embedded in our business planning. With our continuing expansion, we must also be prepared to play a part in the sustainability challenges that lie ahead. The Biojet programme was a great example of how working in partnership can deliver real solutions and develop our industry thinking. I’m also delighted for Linden, her team and the rest of the employees within the company who have worked hard to make our CSR objectives a reality.”

Coppell said: “Etihad Airways is widely regarded as a leading innovator within the global airline industry, a reputation that extends beyond its world-class product and service offering, and into core areas such as sustainability. Our focus on operating in a responsible manner is unwavering and principles from Etihad Airways’ ambitious sustainability strategy have been fully integrated across our business.”

The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group was established in June 2008, committing to adopt best practices of sustainability management and reporting and to actively participate in ADSG activities. The Abu Dhabi Sustainability Group Awards were established to recognise sustainability achievements across the GCC region and to encourage innovation and initiatives in promoting sustainable development. – TradeArabia News Service