Ground handler Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has launched a new sustainability programme - Our Sustainable Flight Path - as the company continues efforts to reduce its environmental impact.
The programme forms part of the company's Environmental, Social & Government (ESG) strategy and includes actions, targets and milestones to be achieved by the business from now to 2030, including achieving 75% electric ground support equipment, full adoption of biodegradable plastics, and signing the UN Global Compact.
WFS chief executive Craig Smyth said: “We must continue to take collective and individual action as a company and as employees to maintain our leadership position in safety, security, ethics, and compliance whilst reducing our carbon footprint, supporting local communities, and developing our people.
"‘Our Sustainable Flight Path’ provides us with a social and governance strategy which looks after our people, our customers, and our planet, and is true to our WFS core values.”
The strategy has been created with the support of accounting firm PwC’s sustainability team.
It "aims to coordinate, build upon, and accelerate the numerous WFS sustainability projects across the company’s network".
WFS said sustainability already plays an important role in the business and is taken into consideration when developing new-build cargo terminals, the implementation of LED lighting in over 30 warehouse operations, the introduction of nearly 1,000 electric ramp and warehouse vehicles and the introduction of biodegradable plastics to wrap airfreight pallets.
"WFS’ environmental journey so far also incorporates collecting annual data on energy, waste and water consumption, seeking ‘greener’ energy suppliers, reusing equipment, extending the lifecycles of equipment, and carbon footprint tracking," WFS said.
"Solar panels have been fitted at some WFS locations and trials of further electronic ground support equipment and hydrogen-powered vehicles are ongoing. WFS is also participating in ‘green’ projects at some of the airports where it operates."
