IATA launches the Integrated Sustainability Program to align airline ESG standards globally

 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP) during the World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Hong Kong, introducing a comprehensive certification framework designed to help airlines manage sustainability performance across environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions.

The ISP builds on the foundation of IATA’s existing Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program, expanding it into a broader system of sustainability management and certification tailored specifically for airlines. The program integrates training, consulting, assessments, guidance, and tools within four key modules: environmental management, sustainable procurement, social responsibility, and sustainability performance. Airlines can pursue certification in individual modules or complete the fully integrated program, with all certifications subject to a two-year independent assessment cycle.

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist, explained: “The comprehensive ISP certification program validates that an airline is managing its sustainability efforts at the highest level and in the broadest context. It integrates the monitoring of environmental, social, and governance measures and provides stakeholders, regulators, and customers with a transparent view of progress. Designed specifically for airlines, the ISP offers a practical framework to inform decision-making while ensuring alignment with global best practices.”

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Four modules for a holistic approach

1. Environmental Management: IEnvA is now fully integrated into ISP, aligning with ISO14001:2015 standards. The module enables airlines to systematically assess their environmental footprint, manage compliance obligations, and develop targeted strategies covering emissions, waste, water, noise, biodiversity, and pollution. Airlines already certified under IEnvA will transition into the ISP framework, with the option to expand into additional modules.
2. Sustainable Procurement: For the first time, IATA introduces ISO20400:2017-aligned sustainable procurement standards to aviation, enabling airlines to evaluate and enhance the sustainability of their supply chains across environmental, social, and governance factors.
3. Social Responsibility: The module incorporates ISO26000:2010, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and OECD guidelines, offering a certifiable structure to assess and improve social impact. It supports airlines in implementing human rights due diligence, enhancing customer protection, and strengthening community engagement.
4. Sustainability Performance: This module provides a standardized approach for monitoring and reporting ESG outcomes, helping airlines align with evolving regulatory, investor, and customer expectations while improving transparency and accountability.

First movers: Air New Zealand and EVA Air

At the WSS, Air New Zealand and EVA Air became the first airlines to receive the Sustainable Procurement certification under the ISP framework.

Kiri Hannifin, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at Air New Zealand, said: “As New Zealand’s national airline, we’ve always had a responsibility to help our people and communities thrive. By backing IATA’s new ISP, we want to play our part to help lift standards across aviation, and demonstrate that doing what’s right is about doing good business.”

Jason Liu, Chief Sustainability Officer at EVA Air, added: “Earning this certification marks a key milestone in EVA Air’s sustainability journey, reflecting our commitment to integrating sustainability into procurement and collaborating with partners to build a more resilient supply chain.”

Future development

According to IATA, the ISP will continue to evolve with input from industry stakeholders to ensure its standards and guidance remain practical and impactful. While currently available only to airlines, the program will gradually expand to include ground handlers, cargo handlers, airports, MROs, and caterers, promoting consistent sustainability management across the aviation ecosystem.

Through the launch of the Integrated Sustainability Program, IATA aims to establish a unified benchmark for sustainability performance in aviation – supporting the industry’s net-zero 2050 goal and fostering greater accountability, transparency, and collaboration among global air transport stakeholders.