Etihad Cargo becomes first Middle Eastern carrier to join TIACA’s Bluesky Sustainability Verification Programme

Etihad Cargo becomes first Middle Eastern carrier to join TIACA’s Bluesky Sustainability Verification Programme

- The carrier will assess its sustainability against eight criteria across environment, society, and culture and leadership

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, has advanced its sustainability journey by becoming the first Middle Eastern carrier to participate in The International Air Cargo Association's (TIACA) BlueSky programme.

Following the March 2022 launch announcement of the air cargo industry's first multi-sector sustainability verification programme and successful pilot programme, Etihad Cargo is one of the first participants to join the programme's live operations. Other participants include organisations from airline, airport, ground handler, and general sales and service agents sectors.

The first phase of the programme comprises an evidence-based desktop verification process in which participants can assess their progress against eight critical sustainability criteria, including decarbonisation, waste elimination, biodiversity protection, support for local economies and communities, impact on society improvement, efficiency and profitability, employee engagement, retention and development, and partnership building.

Upon completion of the tailored assessment process, Etihad Cargo will receive a personalised dashboard which displays the carrier's performance against the criteria. Later phases of the programme will include the option for a full onsite audit with an in-depth report that highlights areas for improvement.

"Sustainability remains