What are the best practices for aligning vendor relationships with sustainable aviation goals?

1 Assess your vendor's sustainability performance

Before you engage with a vendor, you need to evaluate their sustainability performance and how it aligns with your own goals and standards. You can use various tools and frameworks, such as the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG) pledge, the Aviation Sustainability Reporting Guide (ASRG), or the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, to measure and compare your vendor's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. You should also consider their innovation capabilities, their compliance with regulations, and their reputation in the market.

2 Communicate your sustainability expectations and objectives

Once you have selected a vendor that meets your sustainability criteria, you need to communicate your expectations and objectives clearly and transparently. You should establish a shared vision and mission for the relationship, and define the roles and responsibilities of each party. You should also set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals and indicators for sustainability outcomes, such as reducing carbon emissions, waste, or noise, or increasing fuel efficiency, renewable energy, or social inclusion.

3 Collaborate and co-create solutions

To achieve your sustainability goals, you need to collaborate and co-create solutions with your vendor. You should adopt a partnership mindset and foster trust and mutual respect. You should also leverage your vendor's expertise and resources, and involve them in the decision-making process. You should seek to create value for both parties, by identifying opportunities for innovation, cost savings, or competitive advantage. You should also be open to feedback and learning from each other.

4 Monitor and review progress and performance

To ensure that your vendor relationship is aligned with your sustainability goals, you need to monitor and review the progress and performance of both parties. You should use the agreed-upon goals and indicators to measure and track the results and impacts of your collaboration. You should also collect and analyze data and feedback, and report on your achievements and challenges. You should celebrate your successes and recognize your vendor's contributions. You should also identify areas for improvement and address any issues or risks.

5 Adapt and evolve with changing needs and expectations

To maintain your vendor relationship alignment with your sustainability goals, you need to adapt and evolve with the changing needs and expectations of both parties. You should review your vision, mission, goals, and indicators regularly, and update them as needed. You should also anticipate and respond to changes in the external environment, such as new regulations, technologies, or customer demands. You should embrace change as an opportunity for growth and innovation, and seek to create long-term value and impact.

6 Learn and share best practices

To enhance your vendor relationship alignment with your sustainability goals, you need to learn and share best practices with your vendor and other stakeholders. You should seek to learn from your own experience and from others in the industry, and apply the lessons and insights to your collaboration. You should also share your best practices and achievements with your vendor and other stakeholders, and showcase your leadership and commitment to sustainable aviation. You should also seek feedback and input from your vendor and other stakeholders, and incorporate them into your improvement plans.