Corporate Social Responsibility
Let’s leave a better world for our children....
The Earth is a closed system. Its resources are defined, but there are huge demands on it. We can’t create another earth. What we can do is protect, manage and sustain the available, limited resources and reduce the impact on the environment to leave a better world for the coming generations.
Businesses, however large or small, are accountable not only for their financial performance and profitability but also for the impact of their activities on environment and the society. Aviation is one of the businesses that have been long-identified as having a direct impact on the environment and society.
Aviation and the Environment
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimated that aviation may contribute around 3.5% of the total contribution of human activities to global warming. An International Air Transport Association (IATA) report says aviation is responsible for only 2% of global CO2 emissions and by 2050 will represent 3%.
However, aviation has been unfairly labelled as a big polluter and there is not much of an understanding of this issue. Yet, globally, aviation companies, have already started addressing this issue and have made significant progress thus far.
Thanks to modern technology, today’s aircraft flies 3 times farther on the same amount of fuel. New technologies are expected to be at least 50% more fuel efficient than today. The environmental track record of the industry is good: over the last four decades we have reduced noise by 75%, eliminated soot and improved fuel efficiency by 70%. And the billions being invested in new aircraft will make our fleet 25% more fuel efficient by 2020. (IATA)
Gulf Air and Corporate Social Responsibility
As an international airline and a responsible corporate entity, Gulf Air recognizes that social, economic and environmental responsibilities are integral to its business and believes in the importance of the inter-relationship with the local community and the environment in which it operates.
With footprints across four continents, Gulf Air is committed to actively engage in tackling environmental challenges individually and collectively, and thus play a positive role in protecting the environment and help build a better future for our children, the local community.
Therefore, in September 2008, Gulf Air launched a comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility strategy focusing on three key areas: climate change and clean air, waste management, and community service.
Developed in consultation with external partners including Boeing and IATA, the integrated programme of research, development, education and outreach will see the airline launching a number of initiatives that will help the environment, benefit the community and improve the airline’s operational efficiency. The aim is to demonstrate these responsibilities through actions by working with the community, stakeholders, suppliers and its own employees.
Gulf Air is also working with the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group on commercialisation, certification and provision of a viable market in order to accelerate the development of alternative fuels. The group comprises airlines, aircraft manufacturers and research institutions. All are committed to using bio-fuels, when the fuel is proven to be completely sustainable.