Swiss International Air Lines: First Swiss company with EMAS certification

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is writing history: It has become the first organization in Switzerland to achieve EMAS certification. With over 8600 employees and sites in Zurich and Geneva, the airline demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental management. 

The Journey of SWISS to EMAS Registration 

The Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a European Union framework that helps organizations improve their environmental performance, implement effective measures and report transparently on their progress. It also encourages continuous improvement and public accountability.  

For the reporting year 2023, SWISS implemented an environmental management system that met the standards of EMAS. The process involved a detailed evaluation of the airline’s environmental impacts, focusing on reducing CO₂ emissions and improving resource efficiency. This effort culminated in a successful validation by environmental auditors in the second quarter of 2024. 

Reflecting on this achievement, former SWISS Chief Executive Officer Dieter Vranckx stated: 

“We are very proud that our comprehensive environmental endeavours meet the highest standards, and that we are one of the first Swiss companies to earn the EMAS quality seal. As Switzerland’s national airline, we regard it as our duty – towards our customers, our employees, our service partners and our home country – to live up in full to all our responsibilities and to further pursue and extend our pioneering role in the sustainability field.” 

Facts and figures: SWISS's environmental strategy 

Having already achieved a 27% reduction in fuel consumption per passenger and 100 kilometers from 2003 to 2023 and 100% renewable energy for all ground operations from 2019, SWISS has set ambitious targets to align its operations with a more sustainable future. These efforts focus on both flight and ground operations: 

• Flight operations: 
  • 50% reduction in net CO₂ emissions by 2030 (compared to 2019). 
  • Net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, supported by fleet modernization, sustainable aviation fuels, optimized operations and comprehensive offsetting measures. 
• Ground operations: 
  • Carbon-neutral mobility by 2030. 

  As part of its EMAS certification, SWISS has introduced an annual Environmental Report to share its progress and strategies. The 2023 report provides an in-depth look at the airline’s environmental performance and is available for download on the SWISS website. 

Inspiring Other Swiss Businesses to Join EMAS  

SWISS’s EMAS certification highlights the benefits of structured and transparent environmental management. This achievement sets an example for Swiss businesses to explore similar pathways toward sustainability, contributing to environmental progress on both a national and European level. 

The EMAS certification framework is not limited to EU-based companies. Through the EMAS Global program, organizations outside the EU, including those in Switzerland, can also achieve this recognition. Germany currently provides verification for non-EU companies interested in joining. Their contact details can be found at the following link: Competent Bodies.