Menzies Aviation joins the Aviation Sustainability Alliance in Portugal

Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has joined the Aviation Sustainability Alliance in Portugal. The Alliance was established by the Portuguese Government with the aim of promoting the decarbonisation of the aviation sector and achieving the goals outlined in the National Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality 2050. 

Menzies Aviation’s targets to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2045 were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) last year, the first major aviation services provider to achieve this important validation. Joining the Alliance in Portugal reinforces its commitment to reaching net-zero and collaborating with stakeholders to support their own net-zero journey.

The Alliance brings together airlines, airports, aviation services providers, transport and logistics associations, environmental organisations, academic institutions, and government entities. By joining this strategic coalition, Menzies aligns itself with a collective effort to balance the growth of air transport in Portugal with the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices that minimise environmental impacts. 

The aviation sector is responsible for approx. 2% of global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions[1]. Studies by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) indicate that these emissions could triple by 2050 unless concrete and effective measures are implemented. For this reason, the Portuguese Government, in line with the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal, has prioritised the decarbonisation of the sector by promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), green technologies and airline fleet renewal. 

The Alliance will play a central role in this effort by fostering rigorous discussions and viable strategies to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and drive innovation in the sector. Among the Alliance’s key objectives is the creation of a detailed national plan with specific actions and targets for the short, medium, and long term, monitoring progress and adjusting strategies, as necessary. 

As the largest ground and air cargo handler in Portugal, Menzies will play a key role in supporting the Alliance’s objectives by promoting and implementing sustainable solutions at airports, such as transitioning to electric ground support equipment, reducing energy consumption, and optimising operational processes. 

Rui Gomes, Vice-President Menzies Aviation Portugal, said: “Menzies is committed to strengthening and growing Portugal’s aviation market both responsibly and sustainably. Joining the Portuguese Government’s Aviation Sustainability Alliance reinforces our commitment to achieve net-zero by 2045 across our global value chain. As the largest ground and air cargo handler in Portugal, we are committed to playing a leading role in decarbonising the country’s aviation sector and we’re proud to join this Alliance.”

[1] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/transport/reducing-emissions-aviation_en