Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), the ground handling services subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, has achieved the accolade of the world’s first ground handler to receive the IATA Environmental Assessment programme (IEnvA) specifically for ground and cargo service providers.

The IEnvA for Ground and Cargo Handling Service Organisations certificate is an expansion of the successful IEnvA for Airlines programme launched in June 2022.

Developed by IATA in collaboration with Qatar Airways Group and sustainability experts, the programme establishes specific standards to promote environmental sustainability in various ground operations.

QAS underwent certification for a range of areas, including offices, workshop buildings, ground handling operations and equipment, cargo handling operations and equipment, as well as maintenance activities.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, said: “As we continue to build our global network, we remain committed to dedicating the leadership and resources needed to meet our vision for environmental sustainability.

“Today we extend the IEnvA accreditation to QAS, becoming the first ground handler in the world certified under the new IEnvA programme for Ground and Cargo Handling Service Organisations.”

QAS was presented with the IEnvA certificate on June 5, 2023 during the 79th IATA AGM in Istanbul, Turkey.

IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, said: “Qatar Aviation Services has achieved a significant milestone with their IEnvA certification.

“They are one of the pioneers in the IEnvA programme; their dedication to managing and reducing the environmental impact of their operations is clear.

“Their certification sets a great example of world-class environmental management practices for other ground handler and ground services providers to follow.”