Saudia invests in innovative sustainability programmes

The airline is working on a variety of sustainability projects and new environmentally friendly initiatives, such as:

MENA Region Voluntary Carbon Market Initiative: Saudia is the first airline partner in the MENA region Voluntary Carbon Market Initiative, which was launched last year. As part of Saudi Arabia's vision to achieve net zero emissions by 2060 and reduce its impact on climate change, The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has established the voluntary carbon market. The initiative reflects the interests of companies seeking to reduce their carbon footprint through new innovations such as expanding renewable energy or advancing green hydrogen. Partners in this market are five leading Saudi Arabian companies, including the national carrier Saudia. Saudia's participation in the voluntary carbon market plays a key role in reducing carbon emissions and is a milestone in the history of the national carrier.

The Sustainable Flight Challenge (TSFC): Saudia has operated the world’s first in-flight sustainability lab, which involved guests on flight SV227 from Jeddah to Madrid on 12 May 2022. Guests on board were asked for ideas for more environmentally friendly air travel, covering the time before departure at the airport and arrival at the destination. A total of 150 exciting ideas were collected from passengers and team members. During the same flight, Saudia also was first in the world to implement Green Points, a program that rewards passengers for helping to protect the environment. Saudia guests can reduce food wastage and landfill contributions by pre-selecting their meals during online check-in – which will also reduce the weight of stock onboard and save fuel.

The Green Points Programme offers guests the option to travel with less luggage, which is incentivised by a generous allocation of Green Points. This approach makes a significant contribution towards fuel efficiency.

eVTOL: In collaboration with Munich-based start-up Lilium, Saudia is investing in zero-emission air travel. The national carrier plans to purchase 100 Lilium-Jet electric-powered air taxis to serve point-to-point and seamless hub connections within Saudi Arabia. The electric take-off and landing jets have a range of 175 kilometres and can accommodate up to 6 passengers. With this partnership, Saudia is investing in an innovative eVTOL network of air taxis that aims to promote sustainable tourism in Saudi Arabia.