A Unified Framework for Progress
The Integrated Sustainability Program ISP gives airlines one clear roadmap for governing environmental social and governance priorities. Developed by the International Air Transport Association the scheme builds on a decade of experience with the IEnvA audit and now extends far
beyond carbon reporting. By bringing separate voluntary initiatives under one umbrella airlines can avoid duplicated effort and focus investment where it matters most.
Four Pillars of Certification
· Environmental Management
· Sustainable Procurement
· Social Responsibility
· Sustainability Performance
Each module follows recognised international standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 20400 yet is tailored to aviation realities like noise footprints and ground handling supply chains. Participants can certify a single pillar or pursue the complete program, allowing both smaller regional carriers and multi hub giants to engage effectively.
Value for Stakeholders
Regular independent reviews every two years create a rhythm of accountability that investors and regulators can easily track. Certification results appear in plain language dashboards that passengers can see when booking tickets. That transparency encourages traveller loyalty and converts sustainability into revenue rather than cost.
A Less Obvious Advantage
Because the procurement module audits suppliers, airlines gain fresh leverage to accelerate decarbonisation across catering, maintenance, and airport services. One airline certification can therefore raise standards for hundreds of upstream companies, multiplying impact well beyond a single flight.
Early Success Stories
Air New Zealand and EVA Air became the first carriers to earn Sustainable Procurement certification. Their experience showed that aligning purchasing contracts with ISO 20400 can reveal immediate savings through reduced waste and more efficient inventory management, proving that sustainability and profitability often travel together.
Conclusion
ISP turns fragmented sustainability efforts into one integrated journey, gives airlines flexible entry points, and extends positive influence throughout global supply networks. With regular assessments and public dashboards, the program positions aviation to meet ambitious climate and social goals while strengthening customer trust.