Atlas Air Worldwide is committed to reducing our impact in the regions and communities where our business takes us by improving operational efficiencies that produce fuel savings. We implement best practices and protocols that empower our teams to promote recycling, waste reduction and natural resource preservation.
Operational efficiency, safety and innovation have allowed Atlas to operate one of the world’s largest air cargo fleets, serving customers across the globe. We operate in a global marketplace that has an increased focus on climate change. We are continuously striving to lower our aircraft emissions and improve our fuel efficiency as part of our commitment to address climate change and promote a cleaner environment.
We are prioritizing multiple initiatives to address this issue, including continuing to enhance our operating efficiencies, investing in an increasingly efficient aircraft fleet and expanding SAF procurement.
We are doing our part to support the commitment made by IATA and A4A to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050. Our contribution to this industry objective is reflected in our goal to reduce our absolute Scope 1 emissions by 20% by 2035, compared with a 2021 baseline.
To support the industry goal and meet our target, we are focused on three key areas:
At the end of 2022, Atlas invested in FuelPlus, a software that will enable us to track global fuel purchases with the goal of enhancing our own system. With implementation taking place in 2023, the FuelPlus technology will empower us to account for our book and claim SAF purchases from our customers. Since SAF is currently produced in limited locations, the book and claim model allows us to work with our customers to utilize SAF while reducing SAF-related logistics costs and lowering our own emissions by purchasing SAF from alternate locations. We continue to focus on enhancing our fuel software and SAF procurement processes so our customers all over the world have SAF purchasing options available to them.
Minimizing the impact of aircraft noise has been a long-standing priority for Atlas. Through our investments in new equipment and technology, as well as our ongoing operational improvements, we are advancing a quieter fleet of aircraft.
We subscribe to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Balanced Approach for addressing aircraft noise. The Balanced Approach was codified by ICAO in 2001, and its aircraft noise standards have been updated several times since, most recently in 2018. Through these standards, ICAO identifies four strategies for addressing aircraft noise:
Atlas was selected as the 2022 winner of O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission’s (ONCC) Fly Quiet Recognition Award in the cargo carrier category. The Fly Quiet Program specifically aims to reduce the impact of aircraft noise within the O’Hare International Airport region during overnight hours by designating nighttime preferential runways and flight tracks.
Our promise to protect the environment is reflected in how we manage our aircraft, our facilities and our resources. We strive to minimize our environmental footprint by reducing our natural resource consumption and responsibly managing the lifecycle of the materials we use. We work to promote clean air and water, waste diversion and recycling, and energy efficiency.