Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 102 | Page 68

INTELLIGENT BRANDS // Green Technology

Riyadh Air joins UN Global Compact incorporating sustainability goals through digital operations

Riyadh Air , Saudi Arabia ’ s new world-class airline , has announced it has joined the United Nations Global Compact , UNGC , the world ’ s largest corporate sustainability initiative that promotes responsible business practices and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals , SDGs . Riyadh Air plans to be a world-class airline owned by the Public Investment Fund , PIF . Launched in March 2023 , the airline will be a digitally-led , full-service airline that adopts the best global sustainability and safety practices across its advanced fleet of aircraft .

Riyadh Air will equip its aircraft with the most advanced , state-of-the-art features with innovative , best-in-class cabin interiors and experiences , including next generation digital in-flight entertainment systems and connectivity solutions .
In a letter to António Guterres UN Secretary General , Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas officially committed Riyadh Air to implementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact . As active participants of the UNGC , Riyadh Air will adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies in areas such as human rights , labour , environment , and anticorruption and report on progress on these efforts regularly . sustainability goals , adopting world-class practices and our industry in integrating ESG into every area of our business .”
“ Our modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and GeNX 1B engine are widely acknowledged for their improved environmental impact considerations , and more broadly ESG strategies are front and centre to every aspect of how Riyadh Air operates ,” continued Douglas .
Launched in July 2000 the UNGC is a voluntary UN agreement designed to encourage companies from around the world to develop , implement and disclose responsible and sustainable corporate policies and practices . Through the UNGC Riyadh Air will also benefit from access to a wide range of tools and resources to enhance learning , training and development for its team in all areas of sustainability .
Set to take to the skies in 2025 , Riyadh Air aims to become the world ’ s most forward-thinking carrier embracing the best sustainability practices , elevating air travel , and setting a new standard for reliability , comfort , and hospitality . As a full-service and digitally-native carrier , Riyadh Air will pioneer new technologies and innovations whilst offering guests authentic and warm Saudi hospitality .
As a catalyst for the National Transport and Logistics Strategy playing a key role in contributing to Saudi Arabia ’ s wider economic diversification and jobs creation , toward realising Vision 2030 goals , Riyadh Air is set to fly to more than 100 destinations , contribute to Saudi Arabia ’ s non-oil GDP growth by US $ 20 billion and directly and indirectly creating over 200,000 new jobs globally and locally .
Riyadh Air will connect guests to over 100 destinations around the world by 2030 through offering an exceptional guest experience with an authentic , warm Saudi hospitality at its heart . p
As part of its aim to support the advancement of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , SDGs collaborating with partners and stakeholders to drive progress towards these goals by 2030 . Riyadh Air will also publish its first Sustainability Report in advance of its maiden in mid-2025 .
Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air said , “ At Riyadh Air , we are conscious of our environmental impact and committed to actively contributing to the Saudi Arabia ’ s
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