Airports Authority Issues Corporate Social Responsibility Report

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority has published its third annual Corporate Social Responsibility report to provide stakeholders and the public an in-depth view of the goals, philosophies, initiatives, and accomplishments supporting its missions of service to the traveling public, regional economic development, and corporate citizenship.

The 51-page report provides an in-depth review of successes in 2021 in six categories: governance, community, environment, supplier diversity, people and safety and security. This report illustrates a variety of measurable ways the Airports Authority uses its organizational resources to support employees, passengers, business partners and the community.

Many of the Airports Authority’s success stories in 2021 were related to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the air-travel business as well its workforce and customers. Prudent financial management allowed the Airports Authority to maintain a strong balance sheet, manage its debt obligations, rebuild revenue and keep its costs competitive in the airport industry. As a good steward to its business partners during historically challenging times, the Airports Authority supported airlines and concessionaires through contractual relief to navigate the pandemic and assure business continuity. Despite the pandemic’s challenges, it also provided opportunities to accelerate construction at Reagan National and realize efficiencies that delivered new airport facilities to customers ahead of schedule. 

“Our commitment to becoming a more sustainable organization, while advancing our environmental efforts continues to be a key factor as we support our employees, passengers, and the airport community,” said Tanisha Lewis, vice president for Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact. “The accomplishments highlighted in the Corporate Social Responsibility Report demonstrate our dedication to improving our overall practices, increasing community outreach and promoting the Airports Authority as a great place to work.” 

Significant achievements and contributions highlighted in the 2021 report include:  

·    A new 225,000 square-foot, 14-gate concourse opened at Reagan National Airport, along with two 50,000 square-foot security checkpoints under Project Journey, a $1 billion capital improvement program.  

·    To facilitate multimodal transportation, Capital Bikeshare installed a bicycle rental station at Reagan National’s Terminal 2 that is connected to the Mount Vernon Trail and has recorded consistent use since installation. 

·    The Airports Authority’s Police and Fire & Rescue departments responded to a total of 159,000 calls for service at the airports and in surrounding communities. 

·    Through an in-house professional development program, The Airports Authority hired eight skilled trades apprentices in the Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing-Pipefitting, Structural Maintenance and Equipment Maintenance departments 

·    To maintain strong ethical standards, the 2021 report was expanded to include ethics and compliance. This enhanced section highlights an updated Code of Ethics, which aligns with industry best practices. 

·    To reduce fossil fuel use and carbon emissions, the airports acquired eight new hybrid fleet vehicles for a total of 49 hybrid vehicles. 

This report is the first one produced by the Airports Authority’s new Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact since its formation in November 2021. The office is charged with aligning the Airports Authority’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategic initiatives with the organization’s overall business strategy, goals and objectives to ensure it represents and reflects the region and people it serves. Combining these initiatives with data analysis and a clear strategic approach, the office is empowered to objectively assess and report on the Airports Authority’s organizational values and results.