The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has announced the full certification of Cathay Cargo Terminal and Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (HACTL) through the Iata Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme.
Iata announced the certification at the World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong (SAR) this week. The symposium runs from 12 to 14 March.
Cathay Cargo Terminal and HACTL are the first cargo handlers from North Asia to achieve the IEnvA certification. This brings to 60 the total number of companies, including airlines, airports and ground-handling service providers, that have achieved the certification. A comprehensive evaluation of a company’s environmental sustainability management systems and its plans for continual performance improvement is undertaken during the process.
“Iata is proud to have worked with Cathay Cargo Terminal and HACTL in their pursuit of IEnvA certification. Their commitment to sustainable aviation sets a strong example for the industry,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, Iata senior vice president for sustainability.
Thomsen said the certification provided guidance, aligned with internationally accepted management standards, to confront sustainability issues facing the aviation industry. She said the certification would support Cathay Cargo Terminal and HACTL to drive sustainability, build trust, and deliver positive impact.
“Iata also recognises the support of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) in supporting its partners in improving overall environmental impact and calls on other airports to encourage their stakeholders to follow the same approach,” said Thomsen.
Cathay Cargo Terminal chief operating officer Mark Watts said the certification was a significant milestone that demonstrated the terminal’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Having IEnvA-certified facilities at Hong Kong International Airport further strengthens Hong Kong’s position as the world’s leading air cargo hub and is reflective of the strong sustainability culture and vision of Cathay, AAHK and Hong Kong,” Watts said.
HACTL chief executive Wilson Kwong said the organisation’s policy was to gain accreditation under every relevant standard. “It increases the appeal of HACTL’s offering, and further enhances Hong Kong’s status as the world’s leading hub. We also support Iata’s initiative because we believe it will help the vital sustainability message to gain traction across our industry.”
