SINGAPORE. Singapore Airlines Group (SIA) has strengthened its commitment to environmental and ethical sustainability amid the global health crisis.
The group’s sustainability progress is outlined in the ‘Timeless Connections Sustainability Report 2020’ which focuses on three pillars: connecting lives, connecting communities and connecting the future. The first focuses on the ethical governance of employees, the second on maintaining meaningful partnerships with suppliers and stakeholders and the third on implementing solutions to reduce its environmental footprint.
The report also outlines three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that are most relevant to the group’s long-term targets. These are promoting sustained inclusive economic growth and full productive employment; promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns; and taking urgent action against climate change.
“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been deep and wide, affecting many countries and industries globally,” said Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer Goh Choon Phong. “However, even during this period of uncertainty, the SIA Group’s commitment to sustainability remains strong. We continue to be invested in conducting our businesses responsibly and integrating sustainability into our operations.”
Throughout the year, Singapore Airlines has integrated several concrete sustainability practices across its value chain. This includes investing in fuel-efficient aircrafts and installing solar panels on its buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It also leveraged customer surveys, data analytics and staff feedback to optimise customers’ food preferences and minimise food wastage. It also digitalised many in-flight operations and increased digital publications onboard to reduce the amount of paper used across its fleet.
In 2018, the Singapore Airlines Group became a signatory to the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact. In December 2019, the company set up a dedicated Sustainability Office, coordinating long-term sustainability initiatives throughout its operations.
Phong added, “The Covid-19 crisis has created several headwinds for the aviation industry. Yet, in many ways, it has also generated a strong momentum for change and illuminated the importance of critical environmental, social, and governance factors in the new normal. Our next transformation chapter will see the Group taking a fundamental relook at our business.
“Together with the stakeholders in our sustainability journey – our employees, customers, governments, suppliers, shareholders and communities – we will come out from the crisis stronger.”
