Tap Air Portugal obtains IATA environmental certification

TAP Air Portugal and Portugália Airlines are celebrating a historic milestone in their commitment to environmental sustainability by achieving IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification. This is the first environmental certification of its kind for both airlines, reaffirming their commitment to adopting sustainable and responsible practices in the aviation sector.

The airlines achieved the IEnvA certification, based on the ISO 14001 standard, by implementing plans with policies that minimise the environmental impact of their flight operations and facilities including corporate buildings in Portugal.

“This certification represents an important step in our ongoing sustainability journey. We are committed to leading by example, reducing the environmental impacts of our operations and promoting more responsible aviation,” said Luís Rodrigues, CEO of TAP Air Portugal. “This is recognition of the joint work of our teams and TAP’s ongoing commitment to the future of the planet.”

IEnvA certification is one of several steps TAP has taken to consolidate its commitment to sustainability. Throughout 2024, the company continued its fleet renewal and modernisation programme, replacing old aircraft with more modern models that are more efficient for fuel consumption and carbon emissions. TAP has also gradually replaced its fleet of operational and corporate vehicles with electric or hybrid models, having invested in the installation of electric charging stations on the TAP Campus, which are also available for employees to use.

Another important initiative is the Sustainable Cabin project: in partnership with Cateringpor, TAP has implemented a project to recycle waste generated on board flights arriving in Lisbon. This project relies on the active participation of cabin crew, who play a crucial role in the success of the initiative. In addition, TAP has introduced reusable and recyclable utensils in economy class on its long-haul flights.

This year, TAP will use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) when refuelling at airports in the European Union, the UK and Switzerland. From 2025, the fuel airlines use to fly to those destinations must be at least 2% SAF.

While more expensive, SAF represents an important step to lowering the aviation industry’s environmental impact. To partially offset the additional costs, TAP will introduce a SAF surcharge, which will apply on departures from European airports (except domestic flights). This surcharge ranges from €2 (£1.65) in Economy class in Europe to €24 (£19.80) in Business for intercontinental flights.

Achieving IEnvA certification is testament to the ongoing commitment of TAP Air Portugal and Portugália Airlines to creating a lasting positive impact on the aviation sector and society.