RIYADH: Riyadh Airports Co., which manages and operates King Khalid International Airport, has signed an agreement with Airports Council International Asia-Pacific and Middle East to strive for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, aiming to promote sustainable aviation.
According to the agreement, KKIA will become the first international airport in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to participate in the Net Zero Roadmap program.
Net Zero Roadmap is an on-demand service complementing the Airport Carbon Accreditation, creating structured plans, including carbon footprint projections, governance frameworks, and recommendations across areas like assets, fuels, and operations.
The agreement was signed by Ayman bin Abdulaziz AbuAbah, CEO of RAC, and Stefano Baronci, director-general of Airports Council International for Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
The agreement highlights KKIA’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and sets new standards for sustainable aviation practices.
This ambitious move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
With the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
He emphasized that this goal will be pursued through a circular carbon economy.
A key aspect of the agreement is the onsite assessment, which focuses on thoroughly evaluating and analyzing the specific site conditions. This process involves data collection, consultations with experts, and a comprehensive understanding of the environment, all aimed at facilitating informed decision-making in the subsequent phases.
Commenting on the agreement AbuAbah said: “It establishes us as the first airport to achieve this milestone, showcasing our progress in carbon accreditation and commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable aviation in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of carbon neutrality by 2060.
“Our efforts reflect a broader commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, which we believe are crucial for the long-term success and resilience of our industry. We are proud to be at the forefront of this important initiative and look forward to collaborating with our partners to drive meaningful change in reducing the environmental impact of air travel.”
Baronci expressed his enthusiasm about the agreement, saying: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective journey toward sustainable aviation. It not only demonstrates King Khalid International Airport’s leadership in environmental stewardship but also sets a powerful example for airports across Asia and the Middle East. The commitment shown by Riyadh Airports Co. reflects our shared dedication to environmental sustainability, with the ambitious yet crucial goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
