TAP Air Portugal is celebrating a historic milestone in its commitment to environmental sustainability by achieving the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification. This is the first environmental certification of its kind for the airline, reaffirming its commitment to adopting sustainable and responsible practices in the aviation sector.
IEnvA certification, based on the ISO 14001 standard, reflects the implementation of a robust environmental management system, designed to guarantee the effective application of good practices that minimize environmental impacts, which involved defining and applying a comprehensive Environmental Policy. In this first phase, IEnvA certification targeted activities with significant environmental impacts associated with TAP’s global flight operations and corporate buildings in Portugal.
“This certification represents an important step in our ongoing sustainability journey. We are committed to leading by example, reducing the environmental impacts of our operations and promoting more responsible aviation,” says Luís Rodrigues, CEO of TAP Air Portugal. “This is recognition of the joint work of our team and TAP’s ongoing commitment to the future of the planet.”
IEnvA certification is just one of several steps TAP has taken to consolidate its commitment to sustainability. Throughout 2024, the Company continued its fleet renewal and modernization program, replacing old aircraft with more modern models, which are more efficient in terms of fuel consumption and carbon emissions. TAP has also gradually replaced its fleet of operational and corporate vehicles with electric or hybrid models, having invested in the installation of electric charging stations on the TAP Campus, which are also available for use by employees.
Another important initiative is the Sustainable Cabin project: in partnership with Cateringpor, TAP has implemented a project to recycle waste generated onboard flights arriving in Lisbon. This project relies on the active participation of cabin crew, who play a crucial role in the success of the initiative. In addition, TAP has introduced reusable and recyclable utensils in economy class on its long-haul flights.
From 2025, TAP will use around 2% SAF fuel (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) for refueling at airports in the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. This alternative fuel, although more expensive, represents an important step towards more sustainable aviation. To partially offset the additional costs, TAP will introduce a SAF Surcharge, which will apply on departure from European airports (except domestic flights).
The achievement of IEnvA certification is a testament to TAP’s ongoing commitment to creating a lasting positive impact on the aviation sector and society. Committed to adopting procedures that continually improve the environmental performance of its operations, the airline is reaffirming its commitment to a more sustainable future, aligning itself with the ‘4thefuture’ concept that guides its environmental initiatives.
About TAP Air Portugal:
Flying since 1945, TAP Air Portugal is Portugal’s leading airline and the world’s leading airline between Europe and Brazil. A member of Star Alliance since 2005, TAP has its hub in Lisbon, providing unmatched access to Europe, Africa, North, Central, and South America.
TAP offers more than 1,250 weekly flights to 85 cities in 30 countries through its network of destinations, which includes six airports in Portugal, nine in North America, 14 in Central and South America, 13 in Africa and 43 in Europe (in addition to Portugal).
TAP operates one of the youngest fleets in the world and is committed to offering the best product in the sector for its customers. The Portuguese airline operates a fleet of Airbus’ next generation NEO aircraft: A330neo, A321LR, A320neo and A321neo, with superior efficiency and reduced emission levels. TAP also operates 19 Embraer aircraft in its regional fleet (TAP Express).
TAP is ranked by Airline Ratings to be one of the 25 safest airlines in the world. The airline has been recognized and awarded as Europe’s Leading Airline to Africa, as well as Europe’s Leading Airline to South America by the World Travel Awards in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Featured image credited to TAP
