Exploring the potential for environmental performance benchmarking in the airline sector

Purpose – This paper aims to present the findings of an investigation into environmental reporting practice in the airline sector. Design/methodology/approach – Evidence was gathered from an international survey of 272 IATA Airlines. Responses accounted 65 per cent of the world's scheduled passenger traffic. Reports were assessed against a framework developed by UK's Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants. Findings – The paper demonstrates that, despite an increase in the availability of quantitative data and some consistency in the use of key performance indicators, comparing social and environmental performance across the airline sector is fraught with difficulties. Variations in the exact definitions of the indicators used and the suite of functions embraced by the term “airline” are identified as fundamental obstacles to effective sector benchmarking. Practical implications – Insight into an understanding of some of the pros and cons of comparisons between airline environmental performance data. Originality/value – The research highlights the limitations of inter airline comparisons regarding environmental data and confirms the need for environmental and social impacts to be reported in a more standardised manner in order to facilitate meaningful dialogue with stakeholders in communities adjacent to airports.