Reducing our Operational Environmental Footprint

Our operations depend on a variety of natural resources. Aircraft manufacturing, in-flight operations, and related activities require a diverse range of minerals, metals, and food production resources. Additionally, water serves multiple purposes throughout our operations. Consequently, we generate various types of waste, including solid, liquid, and hazardous waste. Kenya Airways is committed to efficient management of natural resources and waste to safeguarding the environment for future generations. 

Our commitment to efficient resource management extends beyond mere waste reduction; it includes the proactive creation of value from waste materials. At Kenya Airways, Kenya Airways is dedicated to transforming our operations into a model of resource efficiency and circularity. Through innovative practices and strategic initiatives, we aim to maximize the utilization of resources while minimizing waste generation. Instead of viewing waste as a liability, we see it as an opportunity to extract value.

Water

Water

Kenya Airways is committed to meeting its customer needs in an environmentally sound and sustainable way in line (but not limited) to the existing regulatory requirements international standards and commitments. 

At Kenya Airways we recognize the importance of water as a precious and finite resource, essential for our operations and the well-being of communities and ecosystems worldwide. Kenya Airways is committed to conserving water resources and minimizing our environmental footprint.   

Considering future impacts on water quality and availability is crucial given the dynamic nature of water systems and the potential long-term consequences of human activities.

Through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) we identify environmental impacts projects or activities. EIAs include assessments of water quality, quantity, and ecological integrity, helping Kenya Airways anticipate and mitigate adverse impacts on water resources. We carry out water footprint assessments quantify the total volume of water consumed (blue water), polluted (grey water), and impacted ecologically (green water) within our hub in Nairobi. By identifying water use and pollution hotspots, we can prioritize actions to minimize our water footprint. In addition, we engage with stakeholders who provide valuable insights into water-related concerns, priorities, and potential impacts of our activities. 

Our strategy to manage water discharge involves eliminating actual negative impact and preventing potential negative impacts associated with water use and wastewater generation.  

Kenya Airways prioritizes water conservation, pollution prevention, and access to clean water. Kenya Airways is committed to preserving water catchment areas by reducing the withdrawal of water from regions facing water stress. By minimizing our impact on these vulnerable ecosystems, we contribute to the conservation of natural habitats and the preservation of water sources for local communities and wildlife. 

We uphold regulations for management of effluents to prevent water pollution. By responsibly managing our wastewater and runoff, we minimize our environmental footprint and protect water quality in surrounding ecosystems. 

To ensure access to clean water for all internal stakeholders, Kenya Airways operates a filtration plant. This facility purifies water, removing contaminants and impurities to meet quality standards. By providing fresh and safe drinking water to our employees, passengers, and other stakeholders, we prioritize their health and well-being. 

Kenya Airways is committed to continuous improvement and innovation in our water management practices. By investing in research, technology, and best practices, we seek to enhance the efficiency of our water filtration processes, minimize water usage, and further reduce the amount of water we withdraw from water stressed areas.

Waste

At Kenya Airways Kenya Airways is committed to minimizing our environmental footprint and the importance of responsible waste management in reducing the impact of our activities on the environment. Our commitment to sustainable waste management extends beyond regulatory compliance—it is an integral part of our corporate responsibility and dedication to environmental stewardship. Our approach to waste management focuses on reducing waste generation, increasing recycling rates, and promoting the reuse of materials wherever possible. 

We strive to minimize the use of single-use plastics and disposable items onboard our flights, opting instead for sustainable alternatives such as reusable products. Additionally, we segregate and properly dispose of waste according to local regulations and international standards. Furthermore, we continuously seek opportunities to innovate and collaborate with industry partners to develop and implement more sustainable waste management solutions. By investing in technology, education, and infrastructure, we aim to minimize our waste impact while maximizing resource efficiency. 

Waste

Kenya Airways actively promotes recycling and reuse initiatives to divert waste from landfills and maximize resource efficiency. This involves segregating waste materials for recycling, partnering with waste management companies to ensure proper recycling infrastructure, and exploring opportunities to reuse materials wherever feasible. 

As part of our sustainability strategy at Kenya Airways, we have made a firm commitment to reduce the amount of solid waste directed to landfills. This commitment underscores our dedication to environmental preservation and our responsibility to future generations. To achieve this goal, Kenya Airways is implementing proactive measures aimed at minimizing waste generation, increasing recycling efforts, and engaging with stakeholders at all levels. 

JKIA 

Waste generated at the Airport, JKIA through our operations is collected and managed by Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). KAA has implemented measures, set objectives and a target to prevent pollution by managing waste at source. In 2023, Kenya Airways, in partnership with KAA launched the 5 Rs (Refuse Reduce Reuse Repurpose Recycle) Practice at JKIA. 

Partners and Suppliers 

Cabin waste is a material category of the waste we generate. This waste is collected, segregated, and packaged at source by Kenya Airways. Third party contractors collect, transports, recovers, and disposes our waste. In Kenya, Kenya Airways has partnered with Nas Servair who recycle 100% of organic waste into organic fertilizers and insect-based animal feeds. Recycle polythene, aluminium, paper, and carton are sold to licensed waste recyclers who transform them into usable items. We enforce adherence to applicable waste management regulations through our suppliers' code of conduct. The suppliers' code of conduct emphasizes on the importance of compliance with applicable waste regulations.