After redefining the aviation space, India’s leading low-cost airline is aiming to clear the environmental air turbulence staring at the aviation sector. It has adopted ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in its business practices, policy making and daily operations with an aim to take sustainability to new heights.
To reduce the environmental impact of operations, the airline has been focussing on NEO (New Engine Option) aircraft - these aircraft are 15% more fuel-efficient than the CEO (Current Engine Option) aircraft. In FY 2023, the company managed to take share of NEO aircraft to 80% in the total fleet, from 15% in FY 2017. Also, the deployment of NEO aircraft helped the airline in cutting down its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1 million tonnes in FY 2023.
In FY 2023, the company reduced its carbon footprint by around 2,500 tonnes. This was achieved by eliminating technical paper manuals from the cockpits across its fleet. In order to improve the engine’s efficiency, an Eco wash program was started, which decreased up to 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in FY 2023.
At airports, the airline uses electric vehicles, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) ground vehicles and other energy efficient equipment. This helped India’s top airline to save 2,06,444 Gigajoules energy and reduce total carbon emissions by 14,540 in FY 23. Addition of NEO aircraft in fleet, along with usage of sustainable aviation fuel, increased seat density, and enhanced operational efficiencies (both in-flight and on the ground) helped the airline decrease its emissions by 20% in FY 2023 as compared to FY 2016.
Clearly, this airline case study is a trend setter that will go a long way in establishing the fact that ESG principles make a good business sense. That is, by prioritizing the implementation of eco-friendly technologies, businesses can mitigate the environmental impact of their operations, while enhancing efficiency, and improving their reputation.
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