TAV Operation Services, renowned for its commitment to premier airport services and sustainability, recently garnered the International Sustainability Awards in 2024 for its innovative and resource-efficient lounge concept at Izmir Primeclass Lounge.

Dedicated to environmental stewardship, their initiatives have significantly reduced carbon emissions and waste, setting TAV Operation Services apart from competitors.

We spent some time with the enveloping Franck Mereyde, TAV Airports Executive President and TAV OS/Primeclass Chairperson, to learn more about the significant measures, initiatives, and steps the company has taken, in order to implement these important and admirable projects. Join us as we learn more about the award-winning Izmir Primeclass Lounge.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards: Congratulations on winning an International Sustainability Awards for the innovative lounge concept at Izmir Primeclass Lounge. Can you share what this award means for you and your team?

Franck Mereyde: This recognition is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and a significant motivator for our team. At TAV Operation Services, we are inspired to continue pursuing similar projects across all our lounge areas, constantly striving for excellence.

LLA: The Micro Waste Management project and Tap Water Project have been transformative in reducing waste and carbon footprint. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when implementing these initiatives, and how did you overcome them?

FM: Implementing these sustainability projects in Izmir Primeclass Lounge, one of Turkey’s busiest hubs, posed certain challenges. However, our experienced teams adeptly managed these, ensuring seamless service delivery. Maintaining high customer satisfaction was a key focus; we developed comprehensive action plans and conducted awareness campaigns to uphold the high standards our guests expect.

LLA: The Micro Waste Management project has seen impressive results in its first 11 months. Could you elaborate on how the idea of upcycling coffee grounds into reusable cups came about and the process involved?

FM: The idea originated from our desire to address the significant amount of coffee grounds waste generated at the Izmir Primeclass Lounge. Through collaborative research with our partners, we discovered the potential to upcycle this waste into reusable cups, turning a waste management challenge into an innovative solution.

LLA: With the Tap Water Project eliminating the need for plastic bottles, how has the response been from travelers regarding this initiative, and what impact has it had on customer satisfaction?

FM:  Initially, the shift to eliminating plastic bottles received mixed reactions. However, after explaining the initiative’s environmental benefits, we saw a positive response from our customers, who appreciated our commitment to sustainability. This initiative has reinforced our guests’ satisfaction by aligning with their values.

LLA: TAV Operation Services is known for tracking progress through detailed monthly reports. Can you share some of the most significant findings from these reports and how they have influenced your sustainability strategies?

FM: Our monthly sustainability reports are crucial for evaluating the outcome of our initiatives. They provide insights into our progress on reducing carbon footprint, waste management, and plastic use. These findings allow us to set realistic targets, optimize our strategies, and train our teams for even better outcomes.

LLA: Innovation plays a crucial role in your sustainability efforts. How do you foster a culture of innovation within TAV Operation Services, and what future projects can we expect to see?

FM: Innovation is at the heart of our sustainability efforts. We are pioneers in transforming coffee waste into reusable products. We have an internal committee dedicated to innovation and sustainability, where team members from various departments collaborate on new ideas and projects. This collective approach, supported by our leadership, drives our success. Looking ahead, we plan to extend our sustainability initiatives globally, replicating the success of Izmir across all our locations.

LLA: What advice would you give to other airport lounge operators who are looking to implement similar sustainable practices? What are the key steps to ensure success?

FM: Accurate data tracking and interpretation are essential. Staying abreast of current trends and integrating technological innovations into projects significantly enhances efficiency. Collaborating with startups, both local and global, can provide valuable insights and solutions. Our dedicated teams are crucial to our success, and we ensure they are well-supported and empowered to innovate.

LLA: Looking ahead, TAV Operation Services plans to expand its sustainable projects globally. What are some of the key goals and milestones you aim to achieve in the next few years?

FM: Each lounge has unique needs based on guest capacity, consumption patterns, and location. Therefore, our sustainability projects will be tailored to each lounge. We are currently assessing the specific requirements of our lounges worldwide to implement innovative sustainability projects. Our goal is to achieve maximum impact in line with TAV Airports’ standards and commitments, furthering our leadership in sustainable practices.

Thank you, Mr. Mereyde, for taking the time to share your insights with us. TAV Operation Services is certainly leading the way in environmental stewardship and resource efficiency. Your dedication to enhancing the travel experience while prioritizing sustainability is truly commendable.

To learn more about TAV Operation Services, please visit https://tavoperationservices.com/en-EN/contact-us.