EOC/27 IATA Environmental Assessment Program Marking a Program Milestone

As environmental concerns continue to shape global business priorities, leading airlines and aviation stakeholders are proactively integrating sustainability into their operations. The IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program provides a structured framework and practical training to help organizations enhance environmental performance, align with global best practices, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability—driving meaningful change, strengthening industry credibility, and unlocking new commercial opportunities.

A Landmark EOC Meeting Hosted by Qatar Airways

The IEnvA program reached a significant milestone with the 27th Environmental Oversight Council (EOC) meeting, hosted by Qatar Airways Group in Doha in February 2025. Marking the first time an EOC member airline hosted the event, this meeting provided attendees with an exclusive opportunity to tour Qatar Airways Catering Company, offering firsthand insight into its environmental management practices in action.

Expanding Access to Sustainability Training

A key focus of EOC/27 was the critical role of training in equipping staff with the skills necessary to implement IEnvA standards effectively. To support this, IEnvA members will receive an additional 20% discount on sustainability training courses, ensuring greater access to essential knowledge for building and maintaining robust Environmental Management Systems (EMS).

As part of its commitment to continuous improvement, IEnvA members explored ways to enhance the program’s accessibility and effectiveness, including:

• Developing an IEnvA Awareness "Train the Trainer" course
• Streamlining feedback processes between IEnvA, its members, and IATA
• Providing members with a comprehensive list of IATA environmental e-learning courses (available via email and OneSource)
• Expanding access to IEnvA Library Resources

Enhancements to the IEnvA Library and Standards Manual

The IEnvA Library continues to evolve, offering valuable tools and guidance to support organizations in strengthening their EMS. Recent updates include:

• An enhanced Scope and Context Tool for more comprehensive environmental impact assessments
  
• An updated Assessment Tool featuring new modules on Energy, Water, and Wildlife

Additionally, the IEnvA Standards Manual has been revised to reflect the latest industry requirements and to support the program’s expansion into:

• Cargo activities for airlines
• Freight forwarding
• Aviation catering
• Maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services

Streamlined IEnvA Registration and Communication

To improve accessibility, IEnvA certificate communication and registration are now hosted on OneSource, providing members with a centralized platform for managing all IEnvA-related processes.

Introducing the Integrated Sustainability Program

Looking ahead, the Integrated Sustainability Program will serve as the umbrella brand for both existing and future IATA sustainability assessment initiatives. This program includes:

• Environmental Assessment (existing program)
• Sustainable Procurement Assessment (in pilot phase)
• Sustainability Performance (in pilot phase)
• Social Responsibility Assessment (under development)

The program is designed for stand-alone implementation or integration with existing IATA assessment programs, ensuring measurable benefits for participating organizations.

Charting the Path Forward

EOC/27 outlined a clear action plan for 2025, focusing on:

• Developing new training materials
• Updating the IEnvA Standards Manual
• Enhancing assessment procedures

Organizations looking to strengthen their environmental management capabilities through IEnvA certification are encouraged to contact IATA’s certification experts for guidance on implementing sustainable aviation practices.

The next Environmental Oversight Council meeting, EOC/28, is scheduled for October 2025 in Hong Kong, where members will continue advancing aviation’s environmental initiatives.