• Qatar Airways Airbus A350-1041A7-ANN
    Qatar Airways
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    QR/QTR
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Doha Hamad International Airport
    Year Founded:
    1993
    Alliance:
    oneworld
    CEO:
    Akbar Al Baker
    Country:
    Qatar

Qatar Airways never stopped flying during the pandemic, which caused the airline to soar to the number one spot of largest international carrier globally for several months in a row. However, the crisis did put a pause on the yearly sustainability report published by the airline since 2017. As such, its latest report covers both 2020 and 2021 over four chapters named Response, Relief, Recovery, and Resilience.

Crisis management on many levels

The report begins with a description of the Qatar Airways Group, how the airline has performed during the pandemic, and how this relates to overall resiliency as it prepares to "support the recovery of aviation, and the world economy at large." Then follows a description of the network during COVID-19, fleet composition, and a long list of accolades and awards (most unrelated to environmental measures).

Qatar Airways 787 Dreamliner Getty
The airline is not afraid to switch up its aircraft across the network. Photo: Getty Images

The Qatar Airways fleet

One of the most environmentally responsible things an airline can do is to operate as young and fuel-efficient a fleet as possible. Disregarding the back-and-forth and order-related Airbus drama, Qatar is currently operating a fleet of 233 aircraft (including cargo but not business jets), having taken delivery of five new Airbus A350-1000s in 2020.

Meanwhile, as a result of the lack of deliveries due to both its row with Airbus and the continued Dreamliner woes for Boeing, it has also leased in four older Boeing 777-300ERs and two Airbus A330-200s in 2021, which drags down the airline's average fleet age. Boosted by five factory-fresh 777Fs since late 2020, this still lands at a relatively low 7.7 years, but it is not the 'under six years' referenced in the report itself.

Qatar Airways A380
The airline was previously unsure whether it would bring back its A380s, which according to Al Baker were 'environmentally irresponsible' Photo: Getty Images

Climate-friendly milestones over the past few years

Among the major environmentally-related milestones achieved by Qatar over the past few years are:

  • Launching new economy inflight dining concept ‘Quisine’ to reduce weight and waste, replacing single-use plastics with rotable, compostable or recyclable alternatives, April 2019.
  • Inaugural signatory of the United for Wildlife Transport Industry Declaration and the first airline to be certified under the Illegal Wildlife Trade Assessment, June 2019.
  • Partnering with GE Aviation to launch 'Foam Wash' Engine Cleaning System (which saves up to 40% as much water as a regular clean), October 2019.
  • Qatar Aircraft Catering Company collaboration with Hifz Al Naema food bank center to reduce food wastage, January 2020.
  • Partnering with IATA and Climate Care to launch a voluntary offset program for passengers, November 2021

Lack of SAF but focus on fuel optimization

Any eagle-eyed reader who has been following aviation sustainability for some time can see that there are two things that are conspicuous by their absence in this, albeit (somewhat) abbreviated list above. One is investment into new propulsion technology, something that we have seen from many major airlines (as well as LCCs) globally. The other is, of course, the lack of reference to sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF.

SAF truck fueling an Air France aircraft
Photo: Getty Images 

While Al Baker has called on suppliers to scale up production of SAF, it seems he is unwilling to make any significant investments to support such a trajectory. One could argue that it is difficult for the Gulf carriers to procure SAF due to the lack of biofuel production and feedstock in the area. However, that has not stopped carriers such as Qantas, which has no domestic production back home, from making significant commitments for SAF from other airports and suppliers overseas.

Meanwhile, in November last year, Qatar Airways did become the first global business aviation operator to receive an aircraft fueled by a biofuel blend on the delivery flight, when a Gulfstream G650ER arrived from Savannah, Georgia. Qatar Executive is also the launch customer of the Gulfstream G700, which according to the carrier will be able to operate on 100% SAF.

Qatar_Executive Gulfstream G650
Qatar received the first Gulfstream G650 powered by SAF last year. Photo: Anna Zvereva via Wikimedia Commons

SAF aside, Qatar Airways has deployed a successful fuel optimization program covering over 70 separate projects. This includes reducing weight on board aircraft and flight path optimization. The airline has also implemented a 20 minute contingency fuel policy, which has resulted in "significant fuel savings."

The broader sustainability agenda

Now, it should be acknowledged that when we talk about sustainability - especially for the purpose of company reports - this is not only in relation to CO2 and other emissions that contribute to climate change and global warming.

Many businesses, including Qatar and other airlines such as airBaltic, while obviously circling in on emissions reductions, take a broader approach to sustainability, as described by several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs identified by Qatar Airways as directly relating to its operations and business include (but are not exclusive to) promoting high-quality education, achieving gender equality, ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, and, of course, SDG number 13,

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy.

Qatar Airways Aircraft of apron
Qatar Airways was blocked from neighboring airspaces for several years due to political reasons. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

Qatar Airways decided to focus much of the report on the direct impacts of the pandemic over the past couple of years. Mr Akbar Al Baker, the airline's outspoken CEO, shared the following statement accompanying the report,

“The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the industry, businesses large and small, local and national governments, families, and individuals in ways few of us could have imagined. While it impacted every aspect of our business in 2020 and 2021, we worked to address the pandemic while continuing to drive industry’s agenda toward net-zero. Our industry recognises that there is more work to be done. We will continue to share our progress and be responsible for ensuring a safe and sustainable industry for future generations.”

Other social initiative highlights

Much of the report discusses Qatar's response and calibrations during the crisis, such as kilograms of PPE carried (29,823,615), passengers repatriated (over 90,000), vaccination campaigns, disinfection measures and COVID-19 safety ratings. However, other ESG highlights include:

  • Sponsoring the Global Surgical and Medical Support Group (GSMSG), to support its efforts in providing medical relief to vulnerable communities around the world.
  • Partnering with Orbis UK, a charity providing access to quality eye care globally, for an additional three years. It operates the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital MD-10 aircraft, an accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital complete with an operating and recovery room for patients.
  • Rewild the Planet project, launched in 2021, whereby the airline has committed to transporting wild animals back to their natural habitat, free of charge.