Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air has unveiled its new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) plan. The airline has developed an integrated program of research, development, education and outreach focusing on three key areas – climate change and clean air, waste management and community service, with goals to support each.
The comprehensive plan, which was developed through consultations with external partners including Boeing and IATA, will see the airline launching a number of initiatives in the coming months which will improve the environment, benefit the community and improve the airlines operational efficiency.
The goals outlined in the airlines three tier approach demonstrate Gulf Air’s commitment to not only reducing its global footprint, but to driving growth by focusing on products and innovation which benefit the local community while at the same time helping to solve global challenges such as climate change.
“Since its beginnings in 1950 Gulf Air has always believed in the importance of the airlines inter-relationship with the local community. As the airline has grown over 58-years from a small regional airline with one route to a global enterprise operating in more than 40 countries around the world, this value still holds true, shaping our thinking, decisions and actions.” says Gulf Air Chief Strategy Officer Tero Taskila.
“The launch of our Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative reaffirms this core value and brings it to the forefront as a key driver for our business strategy along with talent management, investing for growth and financial discipline. We also believe in offering the customer choice, as people become more environmentally and socially conscious we want to ensure that as an airline we meet these needs. ”
The three tier plan will implement a number of initiatives including:
1. Climate Change and Clean Air Begin an internal
• campaign to raise awareness of climate change
• Establishing a climate change task group
• Conducting a fuel uplift efficiency audit with a major aviation regulatory authority targeting three per cent annual decrease in fuel burn per Block Hour
• Establish the weight saving targets with rebranding and redesign of the aircraft cabins and livery
• Implement efficiency in Fleet Planning (all future aircraft orders operationally the most fuel- and environmentally efficient and right-sized for Gulf Air)
• Establishing rigorous route planning
• Develop carbon offsetting program
• Launch a bio-fuel initiative
2. Waste Management – Inflight and on the ground
• Develop waste management strategy
• Implement system for recycling in-flight aluminium cans and plastic water bottles
• Implement system for recycling paper, plastic and glass in Gulf Air headquarters buildings
3. Community Outreach
• Develop website to contain comprehensive information on special needs, and fitness to fly guidance for passengers and doctors
• Work with Bahrain Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife, Bahrain, to launch CSR plan
• Engage with local charitiesrline
