Laiba Amir
3 min readApr 8, 2023

Emirates' Sustainability Initiatives.

Emirates Airlines' Sustainability Initiatives: Transforming Waste into Comfort

Emirates Airlines, one of the world's leading airlines, has always been committed to providing exceptional travel experiences to its passengers. However, the airline's commitment to excellence goes beyond just providing top-notch services. Emirates is also dedicated to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.

As the United Arab Emirates pursues green initiatives with high profile efforts in renewable energy and greater sustainability, Emirates, whose chairman is a member of the UAE’s ruling Al-Maktoum family, seems to tread a similar path. Emirates believes in driving radical changes in the customer experience, which also includes small touches that make a big difference, not only for customers but the planet as well.

In a recent announcement, Emirates revealed that it recycles around 500,000 kg of plastic and glass each year. This amount is equivalent to 12.5 million one-litre plastic bottles, which is an astonishing number. This initiative alone would save 88 million plastic bottles from landfills in Dubai.

The recycling process begins when an Emirates plane lands in Dubai, and the products are transported to one of Emirates’ many recycling facilities. There, the waste is transformed into new glass bottles, backpacks, and ultra-soft, fleece-like blankets that are a central feature of comfort aboard Emirates flights.

Apart from this, Emirates is also committed to reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, generating clean energy, and contributing to food security and sustainable production. The airline has launched several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including investing in fuel-efficient aircraft and implementing measures to reduce fuel burn during flights.

Emirates has also partnered with local suppliers to source fresh, sustainably produced food, reducing waste and supporting local businesses. The airline has also introduced a range of eco-friendly products, including biodegradable blankets, amenity kits made from recycled materials, and bamboo cutlery.

According to Rashid Al Ardha, Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei with Emirates, "We have reaffirmed our commitment to sustainability with initiatives on board and on the ground, focusing on a few key areas that include reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, generating clean energy, and contributing to food security and sustainable production."

Emirates' sustainability initiatives have earned the airline several accolades, including the Airline of the Year award at the Air Transport Awards 2020. This recognition underscores the airline's commitment to excellence and sustainability.

As individuals and businesses become increasingly aware of the impact of their actions on the environment, it is heartening to see Emirates taking proactive steps towards sustainability. Their commitment to transforming waste into comfort is a small but important step towards a more sustainable future.

References:

Emirates Group Sustainability Report 2019-2020: https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-group-sustainability-report-2019-20/
Emirates Newsroom: Emirates reaffirms commitment to sustainable travel ahead of World Environment Day: https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-reaffirms-commitment-to-sustainable-travel-ahead-of-world-environment-day/
External Link:

Emirates Group Sustainability Report 2019-2020: https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-group-sustainability-report-2019-20/

Laiba Amir

UAE news and diplomacy through the eyes of an expat living in Dubai for 15 years.