Qatar Airways gets key environmental award Monday, 09 August 2010 01:08

Qatar Airways was honoured last week by leading aviation industry figures for its wide-ranging global environmental initiatives.

The Doha-based carrier’s well documented move into research into alternative jet fuel as part of an overall mission to secure a cleaner and environmentally friendly future helped win it the environmental award at the annual Airline Strategy Awards held in London.

The airline earned recognition from an illustrious judging panel made up of chief executives, aviation consultants, leading analysts and academics drawn from across the industry.

Now in their ninth year, the awards which are run by the leading monthly aviation magazine Airline Business, have established themselves as the sector’s benchmark recognising boardroom leadership and strategic vision.

Criteria for the award included demonstrating the creation and implementation of a company-wide environmental strategy; the creation, development and implementation of measures that produce environmental benefits; and the support of industry-wide initiatives through research.

The airline was acknowledged for its leadership in pioneering the use of alternative jet fuel having operated the world’s first commercial passenger flight powered by a fuel made from natural gas. The flight from London’s Gatwick to Doha in October 2009 made headlines around the world.

Otherwise known as gas-to-liquids (GTL) fuel, the milestone flight was also seen as the first step in helping make the alternative synthetic fuel available to all airlines in the future.

Over the past two years, Qatar Airways has been instrumental in driving a number of environmentally-friendly projects designed to find ways to maximise fuel efficiency and explore the use of cleaner jet fuels.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said the award was a great honour for the airline.

“We’re happy to be recognised with this prestigious award and it only demonstrates the commitment that we at Qatar Airways have towards cleaner and environmentally-friendly crowded skies,” he said.

He added that Qatar Airways staff cared more about positive action that produced results.