Ait transport is the most convenient means of travelling long distance today. It connects people, creates jobs and builds tourism. But despite all its benefits, the impact that each flight and operation has on the environment remains a great concern.
"It is indeed undeniable," acknowledged Topaz Subunruk, Head of Sustainability and Communications of AirAsia Group. "We can't turn away from the fact that this kind of business has a high level of carbon dioxide emissions and that it creates trash from on-board consumption and maintenance."
"Environmental concern within the aviation industry used to be a specific and complex issue, and was prioritised relatively low. Now, in an age where everyone can fly easily, being aware of the environment is built into every flight we offer, and it encourages us to plan our business more carefully;' she continued.
As a low-cost carrier, AirAsia has been implementing some environmentally-conscious policies over the years. Most, according to Topaz, are from the start built into the airline's low-cost concept which seeks to reduce costs in order to offer the most affordable tickets to passengers. Reducing resources consumption with cost in mind automatically benefits the environment.
"In going low-cost, we have already been focusing on using our resources efficiently and making the most of everything," she said. "The more we save on different costs, the cheaper we can sell the tickets."
AirAsia's boarding passes are printed on thin paper to reduce the use of natural resources.
AirAsia focuses on operating sustainably and efficiently in various aspects of its operations, from the moment passengers check-in to offering on-board services. The airline's boarding passes are printed on thin receipt-like paper. Web check-in and mobile check-in where passengers simply flash their QR code for scanning are strongly encouraged.
Topaz added that this concern extends to minute details. The luggage tags the airline uses are small, so there's less to throw away after use.
While many commuters love to have inflight meals included in the ticket price without having to purchase it as an extra option, flights generate a lot of leftovers that end up having to be disposed of. Offering pre-purchased meals allows the airline to manage the food supply it has to carry on-board. And with food being served to passengers who really intend to consume it, it helps to minimise food waste.
Topaz Subunruk, Head of Sustainability and Communications
In early October 2018, the airline announced a new policy to reduce the use of plastic on-board by encouraging passengers to finish their meals. That way they would not need plastic bags to carry the meals along with them once they reach their destination.
Aside from minute details, Topaz said the airline isn't losing sight of the bigger picture, namely, the aircraft itself and the fuel consumed on each flight. Since 2016, AirAsia has been selecting more fuel-efficient aircraft to join its fleet. The Airbus A320 Neo, for instance, has a technology that saves 15% on fuel consumption compared to the original A320. The new Neo also reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 5,000 tons per aircraft per year. Air Asia's fleet of 60 aircraft so far includes nine Neos.
The way the aircraft are operated also affects fuel consumption. Currently, AirAsia takes a "one engine taxi" approach, using the engine on one side of the aircraft only during
taxiing. "Reduce flap landing" is also used. Both methods reduce fuel and emissions. The data is collected and evaluated monthly in relation to key performance indicators for overall flight operation.
Late last year, AirAsia signed an agreement with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand to uphold the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The programme has been signed by 66 countries, including Thailand.
"Developing the aviation industry and other industries these days isn't just about marketing strategies, gaining access to customers, or using the latest technology; you have to include striving to become an organisation with serious and honest concern for the environment and forming the most sustainable development plans," added Topaz. "This is how to truly achieve the status of a strong organisation, inside and out."
