Recognition follows Emirates Group’s fuel-saving measures, SAF investments, solar projects and recycling efforts.
Dubai: Emirates Group has secured the UAE’s highest federal recognition for sustainable business impact for the second consecutive cycle, following a year of expanded sustainability efforts across its operations.
The aviation group has strengthened its green initiatives through fuel-efficiency measures, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) purchases, solar energy projects and wider recycling programmes.
The group received the Platinum Impact Seal for 2025-2027 from the UAE National CSR Fund, Majra. The award was presented by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of Majra’s Board of Trustees, to Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer.
Second consecutive recognition
The Platinum Impact Seal represents the UAE’s highest federal recognition for organisations that demonstrate measurable progress across environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
Majra’s evaluation considers a range of factors, including corporate social responsibility initiatives, sustainability programmes, governance standards, overall impact and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UAE national priorities.
Fuel savings and SAF purchases
Emirates said its sustainability strategy focuses on reducing emissions, promoting responsible resource use and protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
The airline’s Green Ops programme, launched in 2016, has continued to improve fuel efficiency through initiatives such as pilot training, data analytics, optimised flight routes and reduced engine taxiing.
During 2024-25, these measures helped Emirates save more than 98,000 tonnes of fuel and reduce carbon emissions by over 312,000 tonnes, while continuing to maintain high safety standards.
The airline also purchased more than 28,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) during 2025-26, resulting in emissions reductions of over 93,000 tonnes. Emirates has additionally signed an agreement with ENOC Group to explore collaborative initiatives for SAF supply at its Dubai hub.
Solar panels, recycling and upcycling
Emirates has also expanded its clean energy and recycling initiatives as part of its wider sustainability efforts.
In October 2024, the airline partnered with Etihad Clean Energy Development to install nearly 40,000 solar panels at the Emirates Engineering Centre. The solar project now supplies 37% of the facility’s energy needs and helps reduce annual CO₂e emissions by more than 13,000 tonnes.
The airline has continued its closed-loop recycling programme for inflight meal service items, transforming more than 88,000 kilograms of damaged or unusable materials into new products for use onboard.
Materials recovered from Emirates’ aircraft retrofit programme have also been upcycled into limited-edition luggage collections, with proceeds supporting the Emirates Airline Foundation. Through the Aircrafted KIDS programme, launched in 2025, Emirates has donated around 4,000 upcycled school bags to children’s organisations across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
dnata expands cleaner operations
dnata is accelerating its transition towards cleaner ground operations by replacing diesel-powered ground support equipment with hybrid, electric and future hydrogen-powered alternatives. More than 17% of its global fleet is now electrified following recent investments.
The aviation services company also increased its global use of alternative fuels by 89% year-on-year in 2025-26, including biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil and other lower-carbon fuel options.
In Dubai, dnata converted all non-electric airside vehicles to biodiesel in 2024, reducing annual CO₂-equivalent emissions by more than 3,500 tonnes.
Renewable energy accounted for 15% of dnata’s total energy consumption in 2025-26. The company’s onsite solar installations generated 5,126 MWh of electricity, while an additional 24,564 MWh was sourced through renewable energy tariffs across its global operations.
Waste reduction remains a priority
Emirates Flight Catering, the world’s largest flight catering facility, has commissioned a large-scale biodigester to process organic waste on-site. Once operating at full capacity, the system is expected to prevent more than 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
dnata also diverted 47% of waste from disposal across its global operations in 2025-26, highlighting its continued efforts to reduce material consumption, expand recycling and promote resource reuse throughout its network.
