Aviation logistics specialist, Menzies Aviation, has committed to making 100% of its operations carbon neutral by 2033, which also happens to be the company’s 200-year anniversary. According to Menzies, it is the first aviation company to make this ground-breaking commitment to carbon neutrality.
To reach carbon neutrality Menzies will focus on investing in electric ground support equipment (GSE), reducing emissions through identifying operational efficiencies and balancing remaining emissions with carbon offsetting initiatives. The transition to lower emission and electric GSE is key to reducing carbon footprint and supporting customers’ sustainability ambitions and in 2020 Menzies made significant progress in upgrading equipment as part of new contracts. It’s new contract with Qatar Airways at Gothenburg and Stockholm airports has enabled Menzies to invest in three new electric baggage tractors and two new electric aircraft loaders, as well as an electric towbarless tractor in Stockholm. Meanwhile in South Africa, a new contract with Mango Airlines saw the Group purchase 15 new electric belt loaders and 12 new electric baggage tractors across three airports – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. And in North America, Menzies has replaced and retired older, less efficient GSE across four locations with plans to do so in more locations across the region.
Alongside investment in new equipment, Menzies will also support teams with implementing processes to make zero fuel spills a daily target throughout the business as well as local initiatives to reduce energy use and lessen environmental impacts.
Commenting on how the the company’s carbon neutral goal coincides with its milestone anniversary in 2033, Philipp Joeinig, CEO and Chairman of Menzies Aviation said: “As flight volumes recover we see an opportunity to rebuild the aviation industry to be more sustainable, and we will be taking advantage of this to promote greener operations across our entire business. With our Sustainability Strategy and Programme now in place, we have clearly defined targets and supporting action plans to help realise them, however it is critical that we build relationships across the aviation ecosystem, from trade bodies to suppliers, to ensure that we can collectively remove barriers to green innovation and adoption.”
