At the IATA World Sustainability Symposium, the International Air Transport Association introduced its Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP), a certification framework designed specifically for airlines.
ISP builds on the existing IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) and provides a full suite of services including certification, training, consulting, assessments, guidance and tools across four key areas: environmental management, sustainable procurement, social responsibility and sustainability performance.
Airlines may obtain each module separately or adopt the complete program. Certifications are reviewed every two years through independent assessments.
According to Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice‑President for Sustainability and Chief Economist, the program offers a transparent way for airlines to demonstrate comprehensive ESG management and aligns their actions with global best practices.
The four modules are:
- Environmental Management – Incorporates ISO 14001:2015 principles and the IEnvA methodology to evaluate and manage emissions, waste, water, noise, biodiversity and other environmental impacts.
- Sustainable Procurement – Applies ISO 20400:2017 standards, enabling airlines to assess and improve the ESG performance of their supply chains.
- Social Responsibility – Aligns with ISO 26000:2010, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and OECD guidelines to map social risks and promote community engagement, customer protection and human‑rights due diligence.
- Sustainability Performance – Provides metrics and monitoring tools for ESG reporting, supporting transparent disclosures to regulators, investors and customers.
The first carriers to receive the Sustainable Procurement certification under ISP are Air New Zealand and EVA Air.
Representatives from both airlines highlighted the strategic importance of responsible sourcing and the role of the certification in strengthening their supply‑chain resilience.
Future plans include extending the program beyond airlines to ground handlers, cargo operators, airports, MROs and catering services.
Source: www.iata.org
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