The International Air Transport Association launched on Monday the Integrated Sustainability Program, a certification framework designed to help airlines implement robust ESG management systems.
Introduced during the IATA World Sustainability Symposium in Hong Kong, the program aims to provide airlines with a unified structure for ESG management in support of sustainable aviation.
Built on IATA’s Environmental Assessment, also referred to as IEnvA, ISP combines certification, training, consulting, and assessment tools. It targets four core areas — environmental management, sustainable procurement, social responsibility and sustainability performance.
Airlines can pursue each certification individually or integrate all four into a comprehensive framework renewed through biennial independent assessments.
Program Designed for Aviation’s Specific Needs
Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president for sustainability and chief economist, said the program “validates that an airline is managing its sustainability efforts at the highest level and in the broadest context.”
She added that ISP integrates ESG monitoring to provide regulators and customers a transparent view of airlines’ progress.
According to IATA’s documentation, the program aligns with international standards such as ISO 14001, ISO 20400 and ISO 26000. It supports consistent ESG reporting across borders and helps airlines align with global sustainability goals while addressing the industry’s unique operational challenges.
Breakdown of the Four Modules
Environmental Management: Based on ISO14001:2015, this module helps airlines manage emissions, waste, noise, and biodiversity. Airlines already certified under IEnvA will automatically transition into the ISP framework.
Sustainable Procurement: For the first time, IATA introduces ISO 20400:2017-aligned procurement standards to aviation. The certification encourages sustainable sourcing and supply chain accountability.
Social Responsibility: The framework incorporates the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development standards. It supports airlines in mapping social risks and promoting community engagement.
Sustainability Performance: This module enables airlines to monitor and report ESG performance, aligning disclosure practices with evolving regulatory and investor expectations.
Early Adopters Lead the Way
Air New Zealand and EVA Air became the first airlines to receive Sustainable Procurement certification under the new framework.
“As New Zealand’s national airline, we’ve always had a responsibility to help our people and communities thrive,” said Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand’s chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer. “By backing IATA’s ISP, we want to help lift standards across aviation and show that doing what’s right is good business.”
Jason Liu, EVA Air’s chief sustainability officer, said the certification marked “a key milestone in EVA Air’s sustainability journey,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to supplier collaboration and continuous improvement in ESG performance.
Expanding Beyond Airlines
While ISP currently focuses on airlines, IATA said it plans to expand the certification to airports, cargo handlers, maintenance providers, and caterers. The organization also confirmed that more than 60 airlines participated in the pilot phase.
IATA’s release notes that the ISP will evolve to reflect new regulations, technologies, and market dynamics. The association said the framework is intended to serve as the de facto sustainability management system for aviation.
IATA emphasized that the aviation industry needs harmonized action to meet global sustainability demands. Without standardized ESG systems, the association warned, airlines risk inefficiency and regulatory fragmentation.
The ISP seeks to close that gap by integrating measurement, management, and reporting into one structure. The program’s ultimate goal, IATA said, is to “help aviation organizations scale their impact with proven results while earning stakeholder trust.”
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