ANA Future Promise: Airline unites ESG initiatives

ANA Group has a history of engaging in programs designed to drive social good, and ANA Future Promise unites all of these successful Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives under a forward-looking slogan. Furthermore, in response to changes in demand for air travel and changes in lifestyles and interests, ANA will enhance its focus on ESG, hygiene and cleanliness, and universal values in offering products and services.

“ANA Group’s mission is to provide societal benefits in the communities where we operate with our initiatives and to serve as a role model for other companies,” said Chikako Miyata, senior vice president and director of Corporate Sustainability at ANA HD. “Our track record of success in the adoption and implementation of ESG initiatives will continue to inform our strategic direction as we build on our legacy of leadership in this vital area. With its ability to improve convenience for passengers, boost brand value and drive social good, ANA Future Promise represents the best aspects of ANA’s business model.”

The ANA Future Promise initiative began as a way to emphasize that sustainability and social good have always been at the centre of the airline’s mission. The initiative will improve the overall consumer experience while also placing ANA Group in a position to achieve the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals that the airline has long been committed to. By uniting a range of programs under a single banner, ANA Group employees will be empowered as they work together to achieve the 2030 and 2050 sustainability benchmarks.

The following programs are examples of ANA Group’s ESG initiatives:

Reduction of CO2 emissions from aircraft operations (Environment)

Actively utilize fuel-efficient equipment such as the Boeing 787 and engage in environmentally-friendly operations at every stage of aircraft operations, including the selection of fuel-efficient flight routes, ascent/descent methods, reducing the weight of the airframe and onboard equipment, stopping one engine when on the ground,   and improving combustion efficiency through regular engine cleaning.

The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is central to CO2 emission reduction, and ANA is committed to investing in the development of a viable SAF supply chain   to facilitate the expanded use of SAF. In 2019, ANA reached an agreement with LanzaTech for the future purchase of SAF and in 2020 signed a MOU with NESTE to create a medium to long-term strategic alliance. From July 2021, SAF procured from NESTE will be used for flights departing from Haneda and Narita. ANA has also supported initiatives by companies such as Euglena Co., Ltd. to produce SAF since 2011 (ANA will also utilize emissions trading systems where appropriate).

Sustainability-linked Bonds (Investor Relations/Finance)

ANA issued Green Bonds in FY2018 and Social Bonds in FY2019. This fiscal year, ANA issued Sustainability Linked Bonds that are tied to ambitious Sustainability   Performance Targets (SPTs) that reflect ANA’s efforts to address key ESG issues.

Plastic-free Meal Trays (Reducing Use of Disposable Plastic)

ANA is the first airline in Japan to switch from plastic to plant-derived bagasse material for in-flight meal containers on international economy class flights. The adoption of these trays will reduce the amount of disposable plastic used by approximately 30%, or approximately 317 tons per year.

Donation of Miles for Environmental Support (Environmental Conservation)

Every June, ANA accepts mileage donations from ANA Mileage Club members to support coral reef conservation activities in Onna, Okinawa.

Prevention of Human Trafficking (Human Rights)

ANA implemented a protocol for its flight attendants to help prevent suspected human trafficking. Furthermore, ANA actively conducts educational activities such as seminars on the prevention of human trafficking with the full cooperation of organizations including the Japanese government and UN agencies.

Promotion of “Universal Access and Service” (Accessibility)

Operating under the slogan “ANA provides assistance for all customers to ensure a safe and comfortable flight”, ANA promotes “universal services” that enable all passengers to use airports and airplanes.

Raising the Bar on Health and Hygiene (Clean Environment)

In response to COVID-19, ANA launched ANA Care Promise, a comprehensive campaign to improve hygiene and eliminate potential vectors of virus transmission.   These efforts resulted in ANA becoming the first Asian airline to receive the world’s highest “5 Star” rating for hygiene and cleanliness from SKYTRAX.

Regional Revitalization Activities (Regional Revitalization)

ANA Group will collaborate with organizations such as firms, NGO/NPO, and local governments to deliver comprehensive solutions to extensive regions in the area of mobility, logistics, and digitization by utilizing the diverse assets of the ANA Group.