Flynas becomes first Saudi carrier to join United Nations Global Compact initiative

(Image: Supplied by flynas)

Flynas has become the first Saudi carrier and the first low-cost airline in the Middle East to join the United Nations Global Compact initiative.

The United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, is a non-binding United Nations pact to get businesses and firms worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies and to report on their implementation.

“We are proud to be the first carrier in Saudi Arabia and the first LCC in the Middle East to join the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, a step enhancing flynas leadership since its launch in 2007 in adopting projects and initiatives with a sustainable impact on the environment, society, and the economy, and solidifying our efforts to draft a sustainable future vision for the aviation industry,” said Bander Almohanna, CEO and managing director of flynas.

“We place sustainability at the core of flynas’ operations, in line with the kingdom’s goals to reach zero neutrality in greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.”

Flynas sustainability report

The carrier said that its sustainability report for 2021 and 2022 indicated a decrease in carbon emissions from the company’s operations during 18 months, equivalent to planting 6.44 million trees.

That decrease, it added, was mainly through three tracks: improving fuel efficiency, digital transformation, and adopting initiatives that have a sustainable impact on the environment, society, and the economy.

Flynas noted that it has also been focusing on digital transformation initiatives within its operational and commercial operations to reduce the use of paper and save fuel.

It began issuing digital tickets in 2007 as well as digital boarding passes, and was reportedly among the first to allow online payments in the kingdom. It adopted smart devices for in-cockpit procedure manuals and has installed software and tech solutions to enhance maintenance, engineering, and logistics functions.

Recently, flynas signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC) to explore partnership opportunities in sustainable initiatives that will enhance efforts to create a circular economy. Both entities will therefore explore partnership opportunities and best solutions for adopting technology and ideal recycling solutions to treat flynas waste including oils, plastics and batteries, among other items.

Read: Flynas signs sustainability agreement with Saudi Investment Recycling Company

This article originally appeared on Business Traveller Middle East.