Saudi Arabia’s recently launched airline, Riyadh Air, disclosed its membership in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) today. The UNGC is recognized as the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, dedicated to encouraging responsible business practices and supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas has sent a letter to UN Secretary General António Guterres, expressing official commitment to implementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact. As active participants in the UNGC, Riyadh Air will embrace sustainable and socially responsible policies in key areas such as human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption. Regular progress reports on these endeavors will be provided.
To help achieve the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, Riyadh Air will collaborate with partners and stakeholders. As part of this commitment, Riyadh Air plans to release its inaugural Sustainability Report before its maiden flight in mid-2025.
Tony Douglas CEO Riyadh Air said, “At Riyadh Air, we are conscious of our environmental impact and committed to actively contributing to the Kingdom’s sustainability goals, adopting world-class practices and leading our industry in integrating ESG into every area of our business.”
“Our modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and GeNX 1B engine are widely acknowledged for their improved environmental impact considerations, and more broadly ESG strategies are front and center to every aspect of how Riyadh Air operates. We pledge to take no shortcuts and sustainability will run throughout the airline, from flight and ground operations to the office culture, to transportation and even to Riyadh Air employees at home. As a start-up airline this a golden opportunity to do the right thing in the right way, from Day 1,” continued Douglas.
The UNGC, which was initiated in July 2000, is a voluntary agreement by the UN that aims to promote the adoption of responsible and sustainable corporate policies and practices by companies worldwide. By joining the UNGC, Riyadh Air will gain access to various tools and resources to enhance the learning, training, and development of its team in all aspects of sustainability.
Ibrahim Alhelali, Executive Director, UNGC said, “We are pleased to announce that Riyadh Air has joined the UN Global Compact network in Saudi Arabia. Their commitment to aviation sustainability is evident in their decision to join the network one year prior to commencing operations, showcasing their dedication to responsible business practices.”
