Thai Airways throws its support behind responsible travel

In the business world, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate sustainability are each ways that companies can achieve enhanced ethical standards and a balance of economic, environmental, and social imperatives while addressing the concerns and expectations of stakeholders.

For most companies, CSR and corporate sustainability practices may be formulated upon the principle of sufficiency economy, which can be applied towards developing socially responsible business operations.

Highlighting this, Thai Airways recently organized a seminar on “THAI’s CSR and Corporate Sustainability” – focusing on several CSR implementations by the airline. By organizing this seminar, Thai Airways hopes to promote good corporate governance and social responsibility among employees.

Furthermore, this will generate key driving forces among employees to organize corporate social activities to ensure that business operations, corporate governance, and the sufficiency economy philosophy collectively shapes the organization’s identity and is integrated into the corporate business strategy.

Guest lecturers who participated in the seminar were Mr. Sathit Limpongpan who gave a lecture on the topic of “What & Why CSR?;” Dr. Pipat Yodprudtikan, director of Thaipat Institute, and Dr. Anusorn Sangnimnuan, president of Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited, on the topic “Strategic CSR Corporate Responsibility;” Mr. Wattana Opanon-amata, senior executive vice president for Corporate Administration and Information Technology of Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited, and Mr. Kantanit Sukontasap, vice president of Siamcity Cement Public Company Limited, on the topic of “Case Studies of CSR Activities.”

Clear green skies

Airlines pushing for stronger and more valiant efforts toward CSR is becoming more and more popular.

In December 2009, Boeing unveiled its ground-breaking new 787 Dreamliner – a large technologically-advanced airliner that uses 20% less fuel than today’s airplanes of comparable size, while providing airlines with up to 45 percent more cargo revenue capacity and present passengers with innovations that include a new interior environment with cleaner air, larger windows, more stowage space, improved lighting and other passenger-preferred conveniences.

Meanwhile, Southwest has also recently announced plans for a “green plane” – a Boeing 737-700 that combines fuel efficiency, environmentally responsible products, customer comfort, and reduced waste and weight.

According the Southwest, environmental decisions and business practices can only benefit the business.

“Southwest is committed to continuing to lead the industry in emissions reductions through fuel efficiency,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest’s Chairman, President, and CEO. “Efficiency in fuel consumption benefits our Company as well as the environment, and this has been part of our business model since the beginning. As we look to the future, we know climate change remains of vital importance to our industry, our Company, and our Customers, so Southwest works hard every day in every area to be a responsible steward of the environment.”