The Sustainable Flight Challenge" (TSFC) sponsored by the SkyTeam alliance is a competition aimed at airlines to stimulate and accelerate innovation towards a more sustainable future and the decarbonization of the skies.
During its first edition in 2022, 16 participating airlines rolled out solutions during trial flights, testing environmentally-friendly initiatives with the goal of turning them into best practices for the future of aviation.
ITA Airways already won two major awards participating in the 2022 Challenge: "Greatest CO2 Reduction Medium-Haul" for reducing carbon dioxide emissions on a medium-haul flight, and "Best Waste Management" for the best in-flight waste management program.
ITA Airways was also awarded the important "Best Employee Engagement" award – jointly shared with all airlines in the challenge – for the active involvement of staff in achieving the competition's goals.
ITA Airways enthusiastically participates in the second edition of the Sustainable Flight Challenge, which takes place in May 2023, for which important initiatives have been launched to reduce environmental impact. The cornerstone of these initiatives is the challenging fleet renewal program with new-generation aircraft and increased efficiency in reducing consumption.
Our flights involved in the Sustainable Flight Challenge 2023 are:
| Flight No. | Date | Departure | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZ630 | 20 May |
Rome Fiumicino | Miami |
| AZ631 | 20 May | Miami | Rome Fiumicino |
| AZ074 | 28 May | Rome Fiumicino | Barcelona |
| AZ077 | 28 May | Barcelona | Rome Fiumicino |
Let's take a detailed look at all the initiatives involved, some of which will also directly involve passengers:
WHAT ITA AIRWAYS IS DOING
USING NEW-GENERATION MACHINERY
Among the most modern, efficient and technologically-advanced machines on the market today. The aircrafts are used for intercontinental routes (A330-900) and international and domestic routes (A320neo and A220-300).
In comparison to aircrafts of the previous generation, it’s:
- quieter
- lighter in weight = less fuel = less CO2
- features lower fuel consumption = less CO2
MAXIMUM OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
The ITA Airways' flights involved in the Sustainable Flight Challenge will be run using an efficient operational approach during all phases of the flight: from route planning to airport handling, from flight maneuvers to specific activities on the aircraft, in order to limit CO2 emissions as much as possible.
THE USE OF SAF FUEL
These flights will operate with traditional jet fuel blended with 30% SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). SAF is a biofuel produced fusing discarded materials from various sources that helps reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. The adoption of significant percentages of SAF, such as those for the Challenge, is currently hindered by the limited availability of this fuel and much higher costs compared to traditional jet fuel.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ON THE GROUND AND ON BOARD
ITA Airways' new Hangar Lounge has been designed according to the Leed Silver Retail quality standards, which certify the eco-sustainability of buildings.
In the lounge, we offer a chain-conscious catering service, featuring a balanced and varied range of gourmet products depending on meal times.
On board, we’re gradually replacing materials to introduce sustainable and biodegradable substitutes with the goal of minimizing the use of plastic. Our menus prioritize the use of fresh seasonal ingredients, and we’re experimenting with separate waste collection procedures to ensure correct waste management.
WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER
Sustainability is more effective when approached collectively.
When you choose to fly, there are plenty of ways to reduce your environmental impact:
- Check in online
- Refrain from printing documents that aren’t required for the journey
- Get to the airport using public transport
- Do not use single-use plastic
- Use your personal earphones on board (single pin audio jack)
- If possible, limit your luggage weight in order to reduce emissions
ITA Airways will offset residual CO2 from Sustainable Flight Challenge flights through projects with certified environmental and social objectives based on accredited and internationally recognized standards, such as VCS, Gold Standard, American Carbon Registry and Climate Action Reserve.
We’ll leave it up to you to do your bit in other ways. Discover all the opportunities available to you at: https://ita-airways.chooose.today/
WE REWARD PASSENGERS ENROLLED IN THE VOLARE PROGRAM
- Check-in online: 2,000 points for checking in online
- Sustainable Transport: 2,000 points for reaching the airport or hotel/home after the flight by a collective means of transportation that can be verified (car sharing, car pooling, public transportation, etc.)
- Offsetting: 2,000 points for contributing to the reduction and offsetting of flight emissions using the dedicated platform
And an additional 3,000 points if at least two of the above initiatives are employed.
