AZAL and Asian Development Bank launch sustainability-focused aviation project

AZAL and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a one-year technical assistance project titled “Operationalizing ESG,” aimed at integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into the airline’s core management and operational processes.

The project includes developing sustainable finance mechanisms, advancing “green aviation” initiatives, preparing biodiversity-related projects, strengthening staff competencies, and establishing a modern ESG reporting system.

The MoU was signed by AZAL President Samir Rzayev and ADB Country Director for Azerbaijan Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, with ADB Regional Director Enrico Pinali in attendance.

Rzayev said the partnership marks a significant step in AZAL’s sustainability strategy and will support the sector’s green transformation. Durrani-Jamal highlighted the project’s role in embedding ESG principles into AZAL’s business processes and advancing Azerbaijan’s sustainability goals.

The two sides are also exploring cooperation in areas such as clean-energy initiatives, emission-offsetting loans, green bond issuance and circular-economy development.

N.Tebrizli