Air India gets Montreal Protocol: Public Awareness Award

RELATED NEWS �Airlines must look at new global routes� Air India to enter low-cost domestic airline mkt Jet launches new link to New York �Air India may look at acquiring equity in airports� Nifty BSE | NSE 10/02/12 Are Mutual Funds betting on Nifty?

Air India , one of the largest developing-country airlines, has become a forerunner in taking up the cause of environmental protection.

 

On the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol, Air India has been selected to receive the prestigious Montreal Protocol Public Awareness Award.  The award which is presented by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) is in recognition of Air India's efforts in protection of the ozone layer and would be given in the presence of Nobel Prize Winners who postulated the depletion of ozone layer and other high level dignitaries in Montreal on 16 September 2007.

 

Mr V. Thulasidas, Chairman and Managing Director-National Aviation Company of India Limited, who is also a member of the Board of Governors of IATA is scheduled to receive the award in Montreal.

 

Air India undertook a number awareness raising activities related to the issue of Ozone layer protection and other environmental issues such as conservation of Energy, Forests, and other natural resources, through inflight magazines and videos.  Later Air India, spread the activities to Global Reporting Initiative and also hosted discussions on climate change related issues.

 

The airline industry is not a significant contributor to the two most important global environmental issues: ozone layer protection and climate change.  However, Air India would like to be in the forefront to utilize its infrastructure to spread awareness on these issues, as well as to take action within its business operations to improve energy and efficiency.

 

As a next step, Air India is planning to launch the Air Lines Forum in India for collective action to protect the environment.

 

Air India has won the following environmental and social responsibility awards.

 

1.    "Golden Peacock Award" - for Corporate innovation for protection of environment 2007.

 

2.   "Gallileo Express Travel World Award" - for Corporate Social responsibility for 2006. 

 

As a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Air India launched its Reaching Out Project in 2002-2003.  Under this umbrella, Air India recognizes students and teachers across India.  Governors and Vice-Chancellors have given away these awards at State level.  His Excellency, the President of India presented the National awards in New Delhi on 18 July 2007. 

 

ANNEXURE

 

• Air India has produced environment films with the help of The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), with part funding by UNEP.
• Air India's In-flight magazine "Namaskaar" devoted its September 2005 issue to environmental and ozone layer preservation issues featuring various articles authored by eminent environmentalists and scientists.
• Air India's 2006 calendar was fully dedicated to environment and ozone protection, with images from the 1998 United Nations Environment Programme children's painting competition. This calendar had both Air India and UNEP logos.
• A short cartoon film "Ozzy Ozone" produced by UNEP was screened on Air India's flights.
• Air India conducted a painting competition for children on "Ozzy-Ozone" during the month of September 2006 on board its flights. The winner and the parents were given tickets by Air India to receive the award in Delhi in December 2006.
• As part of the initiative taken by Air India from 2004 onwards on environmental issues, the airline hosted a conference on "Sustainable Consumption and Production" under the auspices of EU.
• Air India hosted a three-day meet on UNEP - Global Report Initiative (GRI) meeting for India.
• In order to institutionalize the environmental initiative in the airline, Mr. Thulasidas, CMD, Air India constituted an Environmental Core Group in Air India in June 2005 to act as a focal point for identification and assimilation of technologies and for cooperation with the potential partners. The core group is headed by Mr. K. M. Unni, Director-Engineering, Air India.
• Air India is also taking various additional measures to conserve energy and help in saving environment. As part of this programme, initially a project is being undertaken to save energy and conserve water in Air India Building at Nariman Point. This Building is proposed to be converted into a Green Building with the help of the Ministry of Environment & Forests and TERI. 
• Air India has been following a close collaborative agenda on environmental issues with TERI. Air India has become a member of the Business Council for Social Development. Mr. Thulasidas,CMD, Air India has been appointed as the Chairman of the Council.
• Hosted international Ozone Day celebrations with press conference along with the Ministry of Environment and Forest of India.
• Halon banking for Airlines - participated in UNEP OzonAction meeting
• Airline forum for developing country airlines (proposed). 
• Air India has placed order for GEnx Engines for its fleet of B787 Aircraft. These Engines are expected to be 20-25% more fuel-efficient. This is a major step not only for conservation of fuel but also makes business sense for the Airline. As a follow up Air India has signed an MOU with GE as part of the Eco Imagination Programme of GE.