MONTREAL, June 3, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Transat sets the standard once again in terms of corporate responsibility as the first airline in North America to complete the first stage of the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) Program, IATA's stamp of excellence when it comes to environmental practices. The program is based on compliance with strict environmental standards and the company's commitment to constantly improve its environmental management.

"Environmentally speaking, Air Transat is leading the way and, with this new environmental certification, we are once again joining the ranks of airlines that put their philosophy into practice," said Jean-François Lemay, General Manager of Air Transat. "The ecological management of operations has been in Air Transat's DNA for years, and passengers who fly with us are making a responsible choice. IEnvA certification is added proof of our formal and continuous commitment to becoming one of the world's greenest airlines."

The criteria for IEnvA certification are taken from a combination of recognized environmental management systems (EMS) standards, including ISO 14001 as well as the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO). The guidelines were developed by a team of environment consultants in conjunction with airlines, including Air Transat, so that they address industry needs and specific concerns. Assessments are conducted by independent accredited environmental assessment organizations (EAOs) that have demonstrated competencies in EMS auditing.

Only six other airlines (Finnair, South African Airways, LAN, LAN Cargo, Malaysia Airlines, and Kenya Airways) in the world have achieved Stage 1 certification, which involves a detailed assessment of flight operations, corporate and management activities.

About Air Transat
Air Transat is Canada's leading vacation airline. Every year, around 3 million passengers fly with the airline to over 60 destinations in 25 countries. The Air Transat fleet includes Airbus A330 and A310. The airline employs 2,000 people. Air Transat is a subsidiary of Transat A.T. Inc., an integrated international tour operator with more than 60 countries, which distributes products in over 50 countries.

SOURCE Transat A.T. Inc.

Image with caption: "Tony Tyler, IATA's Director General and CEO and George Petsikas, Senior Director, Government and Industry Affairs, Transat A.T. (CNW Group/Transat A.T. Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140603_C8183_PHOTO_EN_41013.jpg