South African Airways (SAA) has become one of only a handful of global airlines to retain its IATA Environmental Assessment Programme (IEnvA), the comprehensive airline environmental management programme, Stage 2 status.

SAA attained Stage 2 status for the first time in January 2015 and remains at the forefront of environmental sustainability in aviation.

IEnvA is a stringent environmental assessment programme based on recognised international environmental management systems and is specifically tailored to airlines and aviation.

IEnvA often exceeds international environmental management standards and requires continuous improvement and innovation in environmental sustainability of airlines.

IEnvA is a robust programme that effectively cuts through the complexities of the aviation sector. It should be inspiring to staff, seen as a positive step for the industry, and attractive to travellers. The initiative will ultimately be good for business and is a step toward ensuring the future proofing of aviation.