-- AirAsia has soared to the top tier of a new global environmental rankings, securing a straight 10 out of 10 score in the aviation industry’s first comprehensive, data-driven sustainability audit. Recognised among only 25 top-performing carriers out of 142 airlines evaluated worldwide, AirAsia’s achievement underscores its leadership in sustainable aviation.
Conducted by 42kft.com - a platform founded by aviation industry specialists - the rigorous assessment evaluates airlines on nine criteria. These include fleet modernisation, adoption of cutting-edge technologies, implementation of fuel efficiency innovations, investment in next generation fuel sources, carbon offsetting initiatives, and transparent sustainability reporting.
Geoffrey Thomas, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of 42kft.com, praised AirAsia’s performance: “AirAsia’s standout performance reflects its sweeping commitment to sustainability across fleet renewal, alternative fuels, waste reduction and more. The AirAsia Group scores exceptionally well across every environmental metric. It is without doubt one of the global leaders in eco-conscious aviation.”
Thomas emphasised the significance of the audit: “This assessment goes beyond vague climate pledges to measure real-world action. Pledges such as ‘Net Zero by 2050’ are considered baseline expectations - not distinguishing factors. With these rankings, we are honouring real, measurable commitments to reducing carbon emissions.”
Yap Mun Ching, AirAsia Chief Sustainability Officer, expressed gratitude for the recognition: “This accolade validates the breadth of our sustainability efforts, acknowledging not just our achievements but also the unique challenges we navigate in our region. From adapting to diverse regulatory frameworks to balancing global standards with local realities, our approach has been both strategic and inclusive.”
Yap highlighted AirAsia’s leadership role in shaping sustainable aviation policy, including chairing Malaysia’s National Task Force on CORSIA (Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) and serving as a technical expert on the International Civil Aviation Organization’s working group on CORSIA.
“We actively engage stakeholders across the transport and environmental sectors to align industry practices with climate goals. On the global stage, we advocate for regional perspectives in multilateral forums to ensure equitable and effective sustainability policies,” she added.
Data-Driven Progress
The 42kft.com announcement coincides with the release of the Capital A’s Sustainability Report 2024, detailing AirAsia’s strides in reducing its environmental footprint. Key highlights include:
- Record-low carbon intensities: Emissions per seat (gCO2/ASK) fell to 63.7 and emissions per passenger (gCO2/RPK) to 72.3, achieved through more than 20 operational efficiency measures that avoided 129,189 tonnes of CO2 and saved US$34 million in fuel costs.
- Ground operations innovation: AirAsia deployed its first four combo units (integrated ground power and air conditioning system) at KLIA2, reducing the need for aircraft engines to power parked planes. Upon full rollout, these units are projected to cut 1% of AirAsia’s CO2 emissions.
- Strategic partnerships: Collaborating with Airbus, AirAsia is advancing sustainable aviation research in Asean, specifically into alternative sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstock development and innovative air traffic management solutions. AirAsia also joined Heart Aerospace’s Industry Advisory Board to support commercialisation of hybrid-electric aircraft.
Recognition from Global Indices
AirAsia’s sustainability performance has consistently earned recognition by international benchmarks. Earlier this year, AirAsia also reported new highs in its ESG ratings:
- FTSE ESG Ratings: Capital A Berhad (AirAsia Berhad’s holding company) scored 3.5 out of 5 while Asia Aviation Public Company Limited (Thai AirAsia’s operator) achieved 3.7 out of 5, both surpassing the sustainability index threshold of 2.9.
- S&P Global CSA Score: Capital A surged to 47%, outperforming the airline industry average for a second consecutive year.
Looking ahead, AirAsia remains committed to pioneering scalable sustainability solutions from operational efficiencies to cross-industry collaborations. The Capital A Sustainability Report 2024 is now available for download.
