MONTREAL — Transat has placed 21st on the 2021 list of the Best 50 Corporate Citizens in Canada, established annually by Corporate Knights research firm. 

Transat says it is the only company in its industry to be included in the ranking that recognizes organizations with outstanding records in governance and in the management of human, natural and financial resources. 

“It is an honour to be once again among Canada’s best corporate citizens, which, like us, are committed to  contributing to the well-being of society, reducing their impact on the environment and developing in a sustainable manner,” said Annick Guérard, President and CEO of Transat. 

“As we prepare to restart our post-pandemic operations, our commitments to corporate responsibility are more vital than ever,” added Guérard. “I share this recognition with our employees and partners, who help us improve every day.”

Transat is set to resume operations on July 30.

Corporate Knights evaluates companies’ performance based on 24 key indicators, including energy and water  consumption, production of waste and atmospheric emissions, employee turnover, representation of women in  senior executive positions and on boards of directors, pension fund status, supply chain management and  innovation. 

Since 2007, Transat has implemented a sustainable development program based on four pillars: the  environment, communities, operations and the workplace. 

In terms of eco-efficiency, the company is modernizing its aircraft fleet, is part of the SAF+ Consortium for the development of sustainable aviation fuel and has a fuel management program for its fleet that it has been honing for 20 years. 

In its sun market, Transat offers all-inclusive resorts that hold a certification recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC),  the world benchmark in this area, and that receive more than a third of its customers. 

As a result of its efforts, in  2018 Transat became the world’s first major international tourism company to obtain Travelife certification for all of its tour operator and travel agent activities, in recognition of best practices in sustainable development in the  tourism industry.