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Qatar’s travel industry aims for a greener future

 Thursday, July 20, 2023

The aviation sector is tackling one of its biggest challenges yet becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

A news channel met with the Group CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker to discuss how the country is meeting the demands of the future.

Hamad International Airport in Doha welcomes over 30 million passengers each year, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.

Designated as the second-best airport in the world and the best airport in the Middle East at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023, this iconic travel hub’s vision extends far beyond passenger numbers.

Like many European counterparts, the airline is working hard to cement its status as one of the most sustainable transport hubs on the planet.

Sustainability in the aeronautical sector has increased significantly in recent years. Oneworld alliance and partners have pledged to reach net zero by 2050.

The shared initiatives include fleet modernisation, improvements in operational efficiencies, advancing the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certified by ICAO-approved schemes, and carbon offsets and removals.

Going green to stay in the air

In 2020, the International Council on Clean Transportation published a report which stated that increased fuel efficiency and the use of sustainable aviation fuels could help the sector save up to $35 billion annually on fuel expenses.

In essence: Going green will help the aviation section to stay in business.

Qatar is not only optimising its aircraft to reduce CO² emissions, but it’s also looking at how to ensure that Hamad International Airport is meeting the environmental needs of the future.

Hamad International Airport’s environmental sustainability goals focus on waste management and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The hub recycles and reuses four thousand tons of organic compost every year.

According to Akbar Al-Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, they also recycle and reuse the water from decontaminated and treated sewage water to sustain the impressive vegetation in the airport.

Furthermore, using natural light and investing in cleaner technologies helps the hub be more sustainable.

“We are trying to save energy by making the airport naturally bright during the daytime. Qatar Airways invests in new technology aeroplanes, and every time we buy a new aircraft, it is 20 – 22% more fuel efficient than the previous one,” he adds.

Sustainability in the aeronautical sector has increased significantly in recent years. Oneworld alliance and partners have pledged to reach net zero by 2050.

The shared initiatives include fleet modernisation, improvements in operational efficiencies, advancing the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certified by ICAO-approved schemes, and carbon offsets and removals.