Aviation and Environment

Air transport connects the world, bringing people and goods together. But the benefits of aviation also have an environmental downside. Emissions, noise, industrial processes, and waste must be managed by the industry, reduced, and where possible eliminated. In addition, aviation has a role to play in tackling the global issue of wildlife trafficking. IATA and its members have policies and programs in place to address all these issues and many more.

For more information on specific IATA environmental programs, visit the improving environmental performance section of our website.

Focus on developing smart policies

IATA’s goal is to ensure proportionate and coherent environmental policies are implemented by governments around the world to support the sector’s sustainability and allow environmental improvements to be achieved in a cost-effective manner.

Main policy areas

• Climate change
• CORSIA     
• Aircraft noise  
• Local air quality 
• Illegal Wildlife Trafficking

Our policy action

• Supporting the development of environmental standards and recommended practices in ICAO
• Working with airlines and other stakeholders to identify policies to mitigate the sector’s impact
• Providing input to regulatory processes and international negotiations
• Informing policy-makers and stakeholders about environmental solutions

IATA’ Sustainability and Environment Advisory Council (SEAC) advises IATA on environmental policies and strategy.

IATA has several programs to assist airlines in improving their environmental performance and is working on several initiatives on Cargo Sustainability. Additionally, IATA offers courses on aviation and the environment.