Saudi Airlines’ Supply Chain Bottlenecks Essay (Critical Writing)

Introduction

The organization used for this assessment is Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudi Airlines. The airline has the largest capacity in the Gulf region. It was established in 1945 with just three planes but has expanded its fleet over the years to become a major global carrier. As the General Manager, my role is to ensure that Saudi Airlines operates within budgetary targets, aviation safety standards, and best labor practices. The airline operates both domestic and international flights to several destinations and has subsidiaries operating in the low-cost segment in the Gulf region. Regarding ownership, Saudi Airlines is a public entity that enjoys full support from the government of Saudi Arabia. It operates from two major airports in the country: Jeddah and Riyadh. The airline has complex supply chains (SCs), including aircraft, food, and in-flight entertainment system and material suppliers. Effective management of SCs would enhance efficiency and contribute to sustainable development.

Why Bribery and Corruption Is an Issue That Threatens Sustainability

Critical Analysis of the Issue

Bribery and corruption are pervasive problems inextricably linked to social and environmental issues globally. Rather than operate sustainably, big corporations driven by a pure pursuit of profits commit violations such as adopting unsustainable production and using child labor in Nestlé’s Ivory Coast cocoa operations (Perkiss et al., 2021). These unethical practices often arise when demand outstrips sustainable production. In the global business context, corruption may be experienced on the demand side (kickbacks) or supply-side (investors offering bribes) (Bahoo, Alon and Paltrinieri 2020). In both instances, the goal is to influence policies or procedures on sustainable natural resource exploitation. In this context, societal interests should supersede private or corporate benefits (Muff, Liechti and Dyllick 2020). Therefore, a high corruption ranking would lead to less stringent environmental preservation policies.

Corruption’s destructive effect on environmental sustainability is most profound in supply chains. According to Freise and Seuring (2015), firms in the apparel industry must manage supplier-related risks such as poor working conditions and environmental concerns. To control these risks, companies must green firm-level policies and stringent requirements for suppliers to produce raw materials sustainably. For example, accountability was lacking in Nestlé’s supply chain, leading to unsustainable cocoa farming practices (Perkiss et al., 2021). This problem is more common in corporations with fragmented supply chains that are challenging to manage. Many top global brands in the clothing industry, including Adidas and Nike, have to defend themselves against accusations of unsustainable sourcing of raw materials (Freise and Seuring, 2015). This scenario highlights the value of monitoring ethical conduct across the supply chain.

Business ethics have a strong link to corrupt practices in the international business context. In a corrupt environment, less ethical but politically connected corporations will offer bribes or cover their unsustainable operations (Bahoo, Alon and Paltrinieri 2020). As a result, supply chains become less transparent or visible, which has a reputational risk. Corporations such as Nestlé, Nike, and Adidas have been on the media to defend themselves against the use of child labor, unsustainable farming, and poor work conditions in their offshore operations or suppliers (Freise and Seuring, 2015; Perkiss et al., 2021). Therefore, creating an ethical supply chain is critically important to organizations. In a study by Aschendbrand, Proctor, and Trebilcock (2018), 74% of supply chain professionals considered safeguarding against corruption highly important to their organization presently. In addition, responsible labor practices, environmental sustainability, and human rights are also a priority to most firms. Therefore, multinational enterprises (MNEs) should audit their supply chains to eliminate unsustainable practices such as bribery and the use of child labor and promote socially and environmentally responsible production.

Current Status

Currently, Saudi Airlines has a business ethics code that all strategic business units and partners must follow to protect against corruption and bribery. It includes rules on ethical conduct by staff and guidelines on how to detect, report, and manage potential risks to promote integrity. The code also contains policies on conflict of interest and reporting bribery. To ensure sustainable supply chains, Saudi Airlines requires its agents, representatives, and suppliers to use this code as well.

Recommendations

Saudi Airlines should employ third-party tools and resources to foster ethical conduct across its supply chains. Examples include EPA SmartWay and Rainforest Alliance, which can enforce supplier compliance with the airline’s ethical code (Aschendbrand, Proctor and Trebilcock 2018). By enforcing ethics, the risk of corruption, environmental damage, and labor malpractices will decline.

Saudi Airlines should collaborate with regional non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to manage ethical risks in the international business context. Demands from NGOs operating in specific countries will promote measures for operating ethically and sustainably in unfamiliar markets (Freise and Seuring, 2015). Thus, this collaboration will ensure ethical and environmental aspects are incorporated into operations to avoid reputational damage.

While the airline’s ethical code is a positive step in combating corruption, more specific anti-bribery measures are required. Establishing an anti-corruption system in MNEs will help prevent corruption and bribery (Bahoo, Alon and Paltrinieri 2020). Saudi Airlines should create an anti-corruption unit to tackle ethical risks internally.

How Organizations Can Reduce the Loss of Biodiversity

Critical Analysis of the Issue

Biodiversity loss and species extinction have implications for the future prosperity of economies and corporate strategy. As economic activities are the greatest contributor to today’s environmental problems, greater accountability is required from companies (Dasgupta, 2021). Proactive solutions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 6, SDG 14, and SDG 15, can avert this crisis and guarantee overall prosperity. Firms must consider species and biodiversity as important stakeholders because they are crucial to future business survival.

Marine ecosystems have particularly endured the greatest brunt of economic overexploitation. These fragile systems are home to one-third of the planet’s species, which are increasingly threatened by human activities – pollution and coastal development (Barbier, 2017). As a result, significant marine fauna and flora, including coral reefs, fish, and mangrove species, have become extinct. Water quality has also declined due to the discharge of toxic wastes. The consequence of these effects includes loss of economic benefits due to destroyed ecosystem services, such as fish resources, clean water, sea transportation, and raw materials (Barbier, 2017). Corporate protection frameworks and policies can curb further species loss to create a sustainable future for businesses.

Considering that biodiversity provides ecosystem services important to humanity, corporations have an ethical and socioeconomic responsibility to protect it. Destructive actions, such as deforestation, should be avoided as they destabilize ecological balance and function, affecting the provision of services essential to people and the economy (Brockerhoff et al., 2017). Therefore, the corporate role in the protection of natural forests should be enhanced to safeguard critical ecosystem services. Among the key protections include concerted actions to prevent ozone layer depletion (Montreal protocol), biodiversity loss (habitat protection), chemical pollution, climate change (carbon sinks), and overexploitation of freshwater resources (Stockholm Resilience Center, n.d.). Implementing these measures will ensure that human activities are within safer environmental limits for a sustainable future.

Corporate efforts to reduce biodiversity loss must begin with recognition of the environment as a stakeholder rather than simply a resource. A stakeholder is considered a party that affects or is impacted by a certain action (Parent & Deephouse, 2007). Organizations affect or rely on biodiversity for raw materials and beneficial ecosystem services. On the other hand, the environment can affect businesses through global warming or extreme weather events. For example, access to water is a megatrend linked to climate change with significant effects on industries, societies, and individuals.

Like investors, the environment is a key stakeholder of business organizations. Parent and Deephouse (2007) use the concepts of power, legitimacy, and urgency to define stakeholders. Using the same criteria can highlight the importance of the environment to businesses. The environment can be said to have normative power, as it is the sole provider of ecosystem services (Brockerhoff et al., 2017). Regarding legitimacy, economic development is anchored in legitimate goods and services exploited from the environment sustainably. On the other hand, the rapid biodiversity loss is an urgent issue requiring concerted action. Companies must focus on environmental sustainability to instill vitality in society for business survival (Hoffman, 2018). This approach entails viewing biodiversity as a stakeholder whose interests must be protected.

Current Status

Saudi Airlines recognizes that biodiversity loss is a major problem facing the world today. The airline is a participant in ‘The Sustainable Flight Challenge’, which seeks to promote collective accountability toward climate change. Through its sustainable flight between Jeddah and Madrid, Saudi Airlines aims to reduce its carbon footprint. The airline’s current fleets have fuel-efficient engines and its flight plan is optimized. In addition, in-flight meals include organic food and drinks and most onboard materials are reusable. The airline, in partnership with travelers, has optimized its services in several ways. For instance, customers can book or check in online and preselect organically produced food.

Recommendations

Although Saudi Airlines has taken steps to reduce carbon emissions, more specific measures are needed to reduce biodiversity loss. The following actions are recommended to create a sustainable future for airlines:

• Replace plastics with reusable packaging materials for all in-flight meals to protect marine biodiversity. According to Barbier (2017), for oceans to continue providing ecosystem services offshore pollution must be controlled. Plastic pollution kills species, reducing biodiversity and economically beneficial services, including recreation and tourism. Therefore, by using recyclable packaging materials, the airline will cut the number of plastics discarded in oceans, protecting marine life.
• The airline should invest in afforestation programs to reclaim degraded lands in Saudi Arabia. Expansion of forest cover can be achieved through CSR activities in partnership with environmental agencies and schools. Planted forests will form wetlands, enhance carbon sequestration, and improve water quality (Brockerhoff et al., 2017). These ecosystem services will contribute to the overall well-being of society, economic prosperity, and ultimately the growth of the airline industry.
• Saudi Airlines should incorporate environmental sustainability into its corporate strategy. Supply chain logistics should reflect the airline’s commitment to lower carbon emissions to curb biodiversity loss (Hoffman, 2018). For example, Saudi Airlines should use energy-efficient in-flight appliances and engines.

Approaches to Improve Awareness-Raising of the Need to Adapt to Climate Change

Critical Analysis of the Issue

Awareness campaigns are critical to climate change adaptation for vulnerable populations. Not all communities are aware of their vulnerability and the steps they can take to adjust to the new reality. Therefore, their adaptive capacity needs to be enhanced to build resilience. Research shows that mapping environmental risks in key supply chains is a common practice, especially in the clothing industry (Freise & Seuring, 2015). Companies have collaborated with the media, climate action groups, activists, and NGOs to mitigate environmental risks in communities, such as flooding.

Awareness raising by corporations usually involves actions that promote sustainability and efficiency. Aschendbrand et al. (2018) argue that social media campaigns by stakeholders have produced greater environmental awareness, forcing companies to become socially and environmentally responsible in their operations. In Ivory Coast, activists and NGOs used new and old media to highlight the unsustainable production practices of Nestlé (Perkiss et al., 2021). Therefore, media campaigns represent an important tool for promoting community acceptance of climate change – a key step in the adaptation process. It also helps address skepticism about environmental risks, which is a major impediment to building resilience in vulnerable populations (Muff et al., 2020). Therefore, disseminating information through various media would contribute to greater public awareness of climate change and policy change.

Organizations can also raise awareness through corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs. The aim is to enhance self-reliance among communities to reduce their vulnerability to environmental risks such as floods. About 70% of firms globally have established a functional group dedicated to CSR (Aschendbrand et al., 2018). This trend is likely to increase public recognition of climate change and drive behavior change toward efficiency and personal responsibility.

Greater corporate emphasis and support can empower customers and instill personal responsibility. Benn and Dunphy (2007) note that if financial institutions become more sensitive to their ecological footprint, their individual and corporate clients will follow suit. As financial sponsors, they have a big influence on communities, companies, and other stakeholders. They can finance national awareness campaigns to convince individual and corporate clients that small behavioral changes can help curb the effects of climate change. These measures can only be effective when there is responsible organizational leadership. Good leaders have been shown to influence pro-environmental behavior among staff and consumers through civil engagement (Muff et al., 2020). They recognize the multiplicity of stakeholder interests and priorities and engage each of them to achieve environmental goals.

Current Status

Saudi Airlines contributes to climate change awareness by disseminating information about sustainability to travelers using the airline. Through its Green Points program, customers are rewarded for choices that cut waste – food and fuel – during their flights. For example, travelers gain Green Points for pre-ordering meals packaged in eco-friendly materials. Customers also earn points for traveling with minimal luggage, which helps reduce fuel costs incurred per flight. Those who decline amenity kits also receive more points.

Recommendations

1. Saudi Airlines should expand its climate change awareness creation beyond in-flight measures. There are different media platforms the airline can use to disseminate the message (Perkiss et al., 2021). For example, awareness campaigns on traditional media and social media can influence climate change action.
2. Awareness creation through educational programs is required to empower stakeholders to proactively take action. Training and dissemination of literature on climate change can draw the attention of partners to their ecological footprints, influencing them to operate efficiently (Benn & Dunphy, 2007). As result, they will feel empowered and personally responsible for the environment.
3. The airline should collaborate with governments and community leaders in awareness-raising campaigns. In this way, Saudi Airlines can share its expertise and disseminate climate change messages in schools (Muff et al., 2020). These additional efforts will contribute to national awareness of climate change and build collective resilience toward its effects. The waste hierarchy is the basis for a circular economy that has changed consumption and business models. It emphasizes prevention, reduction, and reuse or recycling as important waste management methods for achieving sustainability goals, including SDG 12. Reducing waste generation and unnecessary resource use is critical to protecting the planet. According to Muff et al. (2020), businesses are challenged to contribute to the climate change challenge, highlighting the need for responsible leadership. Greenhouse gas emission is an urgent environmental challenge that requires ethical business leaders. Substantial reduction of the carbon footprint of companies will contribute to global sustainability goals. Unsustainable farming methods in Ivory Coast to meet the high demand for chocolate in industrialized economies suggest a lack of resource-efficient consumption (Perkis et al., 2021). Unless efficiency is prioritized, the planet will become resource-constrained, driving up costs.

Why It Is Important to Substantially Reduce Waste Generation

Critical Analysis of the Issue

Prevention of waste generation is necessary to curb pollution, which is usually the result of resource exploitation. Raw materials pose environmental risks, which can be prevented through specific measures. For example, Freise and Seuring (2015) indicate that stakeholder pressure and legal requirements will compel compliance with environmental standards by companies in the clothing industry. These requirements entail treating industrial wastewater before release to prevent pollution. Waste can also be prevented by conducting a supply chain audit to determine areas that need improvement. Aschendbrand et al. (2018) note that an ethical supply chain is beneficial to the planet and profitability. The challenge is auditing the supplier’s operations to prevent waste and instill efficiency.

For businesses, substantially reducing waste creates a positive reputation that can lead to competitive gains. A waste audit followed by recycling or reuse of materials would improve the image of the company among socially and environmentally conscious consumers (Aschendbrand et al., 2018). Such actions would be amplified through social media posts to influence purchase decisions. It would also stimulate the market for recycled materials, reducing the demand for non-renewable raw materials. In addition, efficient use of materials reduces costs associated with shipment and production. Therefore, prevention, reduction, and reuse of waste have reputational and financial benefits for companies.

Corporate sustainability would only be possible through waste prevention, reduction, and reuse. Sector-specific codes of conduct have been developed to compel climate action from multinational enterprises (Benn & Dunphy, 2007). The goal is to spur collective action against societal challenges, including poor waste management and inefficiencies in overseas operations. Mandating and enforcing specific laws locally and internationally, including waste levies, would avert environmental risks, such as drought and floods (Freise & Seuring, 2015). Therefore, long-term solutions are needed to adapt enterprises to waste prevention and reuse.

Current Status

Saudi Airlines’ fly sustainably program is designed to curb waste generation. The aim is to identify strategies for reducing carbon emissions per flight and providing organic vegetables produced with efficient technology, contributing to a sustainable future. Specific actions undertaken presently by the airline include using fuel-efficient engines, recyclable food packaging materials, and reusable service equipment, as well as flight optimization. In addition, Saudi Airlines packages its product in non-plastic, fully compostable material to prevent pollution from plastic waste.

Recommendations

1. Saudi Airlines should reduce material waste across its supply chains. Although the airline has implemented actions to reduce waste, similar measures have not been adopted by its suppliers and partners. A waste audit at each level of the supply chain will reveal areas that need improvement (Aschendbrand et al., 2018). Pressure from the airline can force suppliers to comply with minimum environmental standards.
2. The airline should engage other stakeholders on environmental issues, including carbon tax (Freise & Seuring, 2015). Through engagements with governments and customers, Saudi Airlines will commit to reducing its carbon footprint by increasing sustainable flights.
3. Saudi Airlines should reward suppliers who use sustainable production methods. It should award them sustainability points for using technology to reduce waste of raw materials and optimize operations (Perkiss et al., 2021). In addition, the airline should compel them to adhere to minimum standards on waste reduction, reuse, and prevention.

Why It Is Important to Address the People Issues to Achieve Sustainability

Critical Analysis of the Issue

Sustainability reflects the effect that businesses have on not only the planet but also society. Notably, most corporate strategies have proven to harm the environment and people. The Rana Plaza collapse, which killed over 380 factory employees and injured 2,500 others, best exemplifies the need to adopt sustainable models (Cooper, 2013). It illustrates the necessity for organizations, especially in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, to reassess their supply chains and prioritize people issues. It also portrays outsourcing as an unethical and exploitative model that propagates modern slavery and blurs lines of responsibility between suppliers and top brands (Steiner-Dicks, 2019). In the business context, this approach may not be sustainable due to the damage to natural resources and corporate reputation and turnover.

For sustainability to be achieved, interrelated people issues, such as poverty (SDG 1), hunger (SDG 2), health and wellbeing (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), and gender inequality (SDG 5), must be addressed. Impoverishment is intertwined with exploitation, pollution, and climate change. Applying Rockstrom’s Doughnut model can help address inequality and achieve sustainability through better distribution of the planet’s resources across populations without overshooting the social boundaries (Raworth, 2017). Under this framework, poverty can be seen as a product of years of economic policies that accelerated accumulation and waste rather than inclusion. To address inequality, we must balance people’s interests and planetary needs and ensure equitable access to life’s essentials, including food, without damaging life-supporting ecosystems.

Bribery and corruption constitute another driver of income inequality and unsustainable resource use. Advocacy for fair practices would improve working conditions in RMG factories and alleviate unsustainable farming practices and child labor in cocoa plantations (Perkiss et al., 2021). In addition, the responsibility and accountability for people issues, including safety and remuneration, should not be left to suppliers or overseas partners. According to Aschendbrand et al. (2018), corporations should regularly audit their supply chains to promote safety and worker rights, minimize wastage and instill efficiency. Further, when considered from a utilitarian perspective, firms should pursue choices that benefit or cause the least harm to stakeholders and the environment.

Organizations, through their activities or inactions, impact stakeholders and ultimately environmental sustainability. They affect and are impacted by customers, suppliers, employees, and communities (Freise & Seuring, 2015). In particular, corporate actions can affect indigenous populations, child labor, and the environment. Thus, for sustainability to be realized, organizations must improve their social responsibility for vulnerable groups, especially in the RMG factories in developing countries. Building the capacity of stakeholders to enforce responsible practices is also critical to achieving sustainability (Rahim, 2017). In addition, they have the power to demand high safety standards and influence internal regulations to promote sustainable practices.

Unsustainable practices also have an impact on human health and well-being. Impoverished communities tend to overexploit natural resources for their survival, leading to environmental effects, such as deforestation and the refugee crisis (Hassan et al., 2018; Tollefson, 2020). Therefore, to achieve sustainability, we must address climate change and adapt these populations to the new reality. In addition, organizations should prioritize efficiency to reduce wastage and environmental harm and provide opportunities for communities to improve their health and income.

Current Status

Saudi Airlines participates in the Sustainable Flight Challenge, which aims to cut aviation carbon emissions through efficient engines and ground handling services. By enhancing fuel efficiency and minimizing air pollution, the airline reduces its carbon footprint, safeguarding the environment and livelihoods. In addition, by sourcing vegetables grown sustainably, using recyclable materials, and awarding customers green points, Saudi Airlines contributes to behavioral change and adaptation of passengers to climate change. These voluntary social responsibility actions also protect society from the effects of global warming for sustainable development.

Recommendations

1. Saudi Airlines should source raw materials locally to support livelihoods and create employment in Saudi Arabia. Managing international supply chains is a challenge to most organizations and overseas locations have weak governance systems that result in poor working conditions and child labor (Steiner-Dicks, 2019). Therefore, the airline should consider domestic sourcing options that it can monitor to ensure industry standards are met. In addition, sourcing locally will cut costs associated with shipping, allowing Saudi Airlines to offer competitive pay, reduce poverty, and improve people’s health and well-being.
2. Air and noise pollution could potentially lead to poorer health for people living near airports. Therefore, Saudi Airlines should adopt more fuel-efficient engines and acquire technologies that reduce noise levels (Aschendbrand et al., 2018). These measures will protect airport workers, flight crew, and communities residing on the flight path from health risks.
3. Saudi Airlines should establish a corporate social responsibility (CSR) program to support philanthropic initiatives targeting vulnerable communities. Funding local charities involved in afforestation and emergencies, such as floods and droughts, will help communities cope with climate change (Tollefson, 2020). Supporting environmental and social causes will influence people to adopt sustainable practices.

Why It Is Important to Enhance Partnerships for Sustainable Development

Critical Analysis of the Issue

Goal 17 is perhaps the most crucial SDG, as all other SDGs cannot be attained without partnerships and networks. It is a call for multi-stakeholder cooperation for collective prosperity and sustainable development considering the interrelationships among business, society, and the environment. The power of this collaboration lies in the unique resources and competencies of partners, which include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, business organizations, governments, international agencies, and donors (Stibbe & Prescot, 2016). Partnerships avail complementary resources, including technology, human capital, and finances, which are needed for sustainable development. They are considered vital for the implementation of key initiatives to achieve SDGs (Banerjee et al., 2020). Therefore, for sustainability programs to have a meaningful impact, state and non-state actors must collaborate.

Partners can work in different ways – sharing expertise, capacity building, and targeting vulnerable groups with tailored products – to achieve sustainability. Tennyson (2011) notes that it is only through extensive cross-sector collaboration that “imaginative, coherent, and integrated” sustainable development projects can be developed to address global issues (p. 5). Single-sector approaches usually fail because they duplicate initiatives and waste limited resources. Such efforts may not succeed because sectors typically have conflicting priorities and values (Stott & Murphy, 2020). In contrast, partnerships present an opportunity for actors in different sectors to combine and exploit their collective expertise and resources for the common good.

Sustainability challenges are complex, and thus, require working together to solve them. Brouwer et al. (2016) state that the rationales for establishing multi-stakeholder partnerships include cost-effectiveness and a rapid and efficient way of achieving results. Furthermore, a multi-stakeholder partnership is the right option for addressing the big issues affecting the world today and implementing SGDs (Banerjee et al., 2020). In addition, the complexity of social and environmental problems requires collective efforts across private, government, and civil society sectors to produce a meaningful impact.

Cross-cutting partnerships have proven effective in addressing challenges in organizational, national, and international contexts. Sustained regional and global cooperation has been seen among private and public sectors focusing on different areas, including rural development, post-COVID-19 recovery, and peace (Murphy & Stott, 2021). To achieve SGDs by 2030, countries and international actors must realign their priorities and join hands in combating climate change, hunger, and poverty by promoting equitable resource use. In particular, public-private partnerships for development foster trust and accountability that are essential for a meaningful impact (Pfisterer & van Tulder, 2021). The participatory nature of such cooperation ensures accelerated action to achieve sustainable development goals.

Partnerships avail complementary resources and competencies needed to drive SDGs forward. NGOs bring technical expertise, knowledge of communities, and people orientation, whereas businesses provide process innovation, logistical support, and infrastructure (Stibbe & Prescot, 2016). On the other hand, governments may supply regulatory frameworks, land, and tax systems essential for sustainable development. Non-profit organizations and charitable organizations facilitate access to global networks and provide funding but require appropriate policies to implement sustainable development programs (Kassem et al., 2020). Thus, through multi-sector cooperation, partners can maximize their value and achieve the greatest output, contributing to the attainment of multiple SDGs.

Current Status

Saudi Airlines strives to reduce its environmental impact by collaborating with other stakeholders in the airline industry. The carrier is a contender in the SkyTeam Sustainable Flight Challenge that includes 17 other airlines. Through partnerships, participants in this contest have developed several innovations for reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry. Travelers are also invited to share ideas on sustainable travel. Further, partnerships with Red Sea Farms allow the airline to provide locally sourced organic food that has been produced sustainably.

Recommendations

1. Saudi Airlines should work with the government and private investors to promote investment in research and development for fuel-efficient technologies and the aviation biofuel subsector. Each of these stakeholders will provide unique resources and competencies needed for sustainable growth (Stibbe & Prescot, 2016). The collaboration will provide incentives and build a conducive environment for the development and deployment of new technologies in the Saudi aviation industry.
2. The airline should further participate in dialogs related to carbon emissions nationally and internationally. Proposals to cut aviation carbon footprint to specific levels require support and accountability from airlines (Pfisterer & van Tulder, 2021). In addition, education of state and non-state actors on the technologies for achieving sustainability is critical. Through partnerships, the government can monitor the emission levels of airlines and calculate appropriate tax levies.
3. Saudi Airlines can accelerate its transition to green energy through collaboration with companies, the government, and scientists. Vertical partnerships will help the airline establish valuable networks with biofuel firms and actors in the agricultural sector (Kassem et al., 2020). In addition, cooperation with international players will enable Saudi Airlines to acquire biofuel technology for its sustainable growth. Alliances with bio-refineries will ensure a sustainable supply chain for the carrier.

Conclusion

Sustainable development requires concerted efforts and actions by businesses, governments, communities, and individuals. Factors affecting sustainability, such as international corruption and bribery, biodiversity loss and species extinctions, climate change, and waste generation are intertwined with people issues, including poverty and health and well-being. Therefore, environmental, community, and business matters must be addressed collaboratively. Cross-sector partnerships avail complementary resources and technologies to combat these challenges for collective prosperity. Actions focusing on supply chain efficiency at the organizational or sector level can also contribute to sustainable development. For example, Saudi Airlines’ decision to use fuel-efficient engines, procure vegetables farmed sustainably, and recycle materials is crucial to sustainability.

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