Letter to Stakeholders

Mankind only really exists in the battle again its own limits

Ignazio Silone

2023 was an important year for our progress in sustainable development.

In terms of operations, it was the first year of a complete realignment in traffic volumes and connectivity to pre-pandemic levels. The number of passengers handled by our airport system was the same as in 2019 (35.2 million), but this result was obtained with almost 16 thousand fewer movements (take-offs and landings) compared to then. This means that we once again guarantee superb air access to our key market, at the same time reducing the environmental footprint (above all in terms of noise and emissions) in the areas surrounding our airports.

Connectivity indicators bear witness to how above all Malpensa airport has regained its role as a global connector, thanks to which people, goods, projects and capital can multiply their value. In 2023, Malpensa connected 187 destinations, 50 of which were long-haul, through 95 airlines which guaranteed direct connections with 78 different countries (Malpensa is in the global top 10 in terms of the number of countries reached with direct connections).

Restoring, as was the case at Malpensa, such a dense network of international connections without being able to count on a reference airline (Malpensa was confirmed as being among the European airports with the lowest level of dependence on a single carrier, since the top airline operating there has less than 17% of the total weighted traffic), but adopting a multi-carrier strategy, has meant returning to full operation a crucial asset in global competitiveness and socio-economic development for the whole of north Italy.

The broad and detailed set of data contained in this document confirms it: in 2023 the SEA airport system recorded a sharp increase in direct, indirect, induced and catalytic impacts compared to the previous year. The total benefits for Lombardy can be quantified at over 48 billion Euro, matched by the activation of just under 295 thousand jobs.

In this context there is still a very important role for goods transport, which sees Cargo City at Malpensa placed 5th in Europe for traffic volume among “all-round” airports, with 79 destinations and 35 cargo operators at work. Currently 4-5% of Italy’s international trade flows transits from Malpensa, 6% of national exports and over 11% of Made in Italy exports for non-EU markets.

Of particular importance is also the role played by the Linate and Malpensa airports as gateways for incoming tourism, above all international. In 2023 Malpensa transited through Lombardy around 6.6 million tourists, 5.8 million of whom were international, while 2.3 million transited through Linate.

Numbers that are markedly up on the previous year and which went hand in hand with the level of satisfaction expressed by passengers on the level of service provided to them in our airports.

To crown the constantly rising trend in the high-quality performance of Linate and Malpensa recorded over these years, in 2023 two important awards were received: the Best Airport Award assigned to Linate by Airport Council International Europe (a category association which brings together European airports), as the best airport in the traffic category of 5-10 million passengers, and the prestigious Airport Service Quality Award from ACI World, which ranks our airports as among the best on the continent in their respective categories, always on the basis of the judgment expressed by travellers.

These two awards highlight the remarkable daily commitment shown by all SEA staff to make the travel environment increasingly welcoming, comfortable and relaxed for whoever chooses our airports. Nonetheless, it is right to share this merit with all the other operators in the airport community (airlines, State bodies, handlers and retailers especially), who contribute, together with us, to keeping the customer experience at our airports at the highest levels.

2023 was also the turning-point for the core topic of our ESG strategy, i.e. decarbonisation. We have established and adopted an energy strategy which will guide our consumption and procurement choices from now through to 2030. Thanks to the combined impact of initiatives for energy efficiency, self-production of renewable energy and the purchase of guarantees of origin, SEA is aiming to markedly reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions in coming years. This keeps us on track with the commitment made at the General Assembly of ACI Europe on 27 June 2023, which sets the achievement of net zero to 2030 at the latest, i.e. 20 years ahead of the goal set by European aviation.

The first immediately implemented actions produced encouraging results: in 2023 our direct carbon footprint fell by 37.4% compared to the previous year, thanks also to a green shift in our energy supply sources, which today see a percentage of renewables of over 12% of the total.

Above all, the clear and linear commitment we have taken on for the rapid decarbonisation of our business is well reflected in our financial strategy, which in 2023 envisaged subscribing to revolving sustainability-linked lines of credit, which tie the amount of the related financial cost to specific carbon footprint targets which we have committed to achieving.

Following this operation, around a third of the medium/long-term lines of finance granted to the SEA Group are structured in a sustainability-linked format.

As for climate change, we have not limited ourselves to working only within our strict area of competence.

We have instead given further concrete form also to the role of “enablers” in the overall decarbonisation process which the air transport industry is called on to undertake, also on the back of the package of Fit for 55 measures recently approved by the EU.

One of the main projects launched (eMAGO) envisages the realisation, by 2025, of 84 Aircraft Ground Power Units (AGPU) to provide electric power to aircraft during ground operations and the installation of around a hundred electric recharging stations, both airside and landside, to power the airport vehicles belonging to SEA and the handlers, as well as a further 100 smart chargers to power ramp and service equipment for the aircraft. It represents significant progress in implementing sustainable and innovative solutions for the supply of energy to aircraft, at both Linate and Malpensa.

In addition, during 2023 an economic support program was activated and implemented for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at our airports. In line with the very few similar experiences already underway at other European airports, SEA has recognised a contribution to incentivise airlines to refuel with a fuel which cuts by up to 80% the emissions generated by traditional jet fuel, in order to cover part of the extra cost which is a feature of SAF.

Both these initiatives are aligned with the most advanced policy indications for the green transition in the air sector and see our airports in the front line in bringing forward the binding mandates which follow on from adoption of Fit for 55.

Finally, we have a very significant commitment in terms of sustainable innovation. Through various projects financed by the EU, SEA is collaborating on the development of prototypes of hydrogen-powered airport vehicles (TH2ICINO project), on defining green hydrogen production systems for onsite transport (OLGA) and on finalising air refuelling processes with liquid hydrogen (ALRIGH2T).

This innovation and sustainability package promoted by SEA also includes the intention of being among the first airports in Europe to develop advanced air mobility solutions. We are working to realise the infrastructure – as from 2026 – and the conditions to launch short-haul connections in Milan airspace with vertical take-off/landing electric aircraft to help cover the transport needs of people and goods in large urban areas, with marked advantages in terms of easing road traffic and a reduced environmental impact (CO2, air quality, noise).

We consider it essential to commit to these initiatives which, although focussed on medium- and long-term technological developments, require right from the off different planning of infrastructure, so that it is compatible with the role of “intermodal energy hub” which airports will be called on to play in years to come.

In addition, last year there was satisfactory progress on the Malpensa Master Plan 2035, obtaining, on the one hand, the issue of the environmental compatibility decree by the Environment Ministry and, on the other, the recognition of Malpensa – as part of the law converting the Air Decree – as a strategic work of essential national interest for the implementation of the airport’s goods traffic.

All this makes us confident about achieving a final outcome to ensure adequate balance between the demands for socio-economic development – which the territory’s industrial system will be able to take advantage of with the expansion of Cargo City – and those for effective nature protection for the part of the ecosystem affected by the project.

To conclude this overview of the key facts and data which characterised our sustainability path in 2023, attention must certainly be drawn to the great work undertaken in terms of diversity and inclusion, which saw various projects deployed aimed at removing cultural biases, increasing inclusivity and reducing divergences in treatment between the various parts of our corporate community.

A commitment which translated, among other things, at the start of 2024 into obtaining Gender  Certification UNI PdR 125/2022.

Exactly as happened on achieving other certifications – and in line with the spirit with which we are taking forward our whole ESG strategy – we are not satisfied with considering this result as a goal in itself, but rather as a valuable addition to the “tool box” which we have gradually built up over the years in order to plan, manage and measure that sustainable progress footprint which enriches and gives meaning to our work.

Sustainability Governance Model

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Training

During 2023 the training activities were characterised by initiatives mainly aimed at increasing people’s know-how. 

Among the projects realised we may note:

Mentoring

Individual training program, which saw the involvement of 46 Mentors and Mentees; the methodology underpinning the program envisages that the Mentor, a senior figure with a broad knowledge of the company, makes available to the Mentee, a junior and developing figure, their knowledge and know-how in order to support the latter’s growth. The program includes at least 6 one-to-one meetings between the Mentor and the Mentee.

We are Teachers

A project which aims to identify the Teachers for the SEA Academy, which was launched at the end of 2022 with a call to action. After analysing and assessing the candidacies, 67 Teachers were identified who started a dedicated training program including 33 face-to-face training hours structured in two modules which ended in November with a final celebratory event. The project aimed to promote a new culture of learning based on sharing knowledge and transferring know-how within the company.

Three-year training plan “SEA Academy & Goodhabitz”

Training plan created to promote the use of the training platform Goodhabitz (launched in December 2021) with the goal of increasing people’s level of know-how in line with their current professional role/category. After a first stage of becoming familiar with the platform, a plan was put together tailored to people’s roles. The plan envisages six courses to be completed over three years (two for each year) and other recommended segments to be completed at the person’s discretion. To celebrate each person’s commitment, an award system was set up based on the number of courses completed. Shift workers can complete their courses in the training rooms at Malpensa and Linate. Administrative staff can access them from their laptop.

The European House of Ambrosetti

Continuous training program which a pool of 9 executives and 35 middle-managers benefitted from. A portfolio of current and well-structured initiatives and training content which enabled the people involved to create their own training program, in accordance with their personal interests and areas for development.

Linguistic Training

Training which saw the involvement of 65 colleagues for whom language ability is a work instrument that must be continuously supported. 

GDPR privacy training

Courses to share interpretations and updates on privacy issues, organised together with the Corporate Affairs & Compliance Team, Legal Counselling and Privacy Focal Point colleagues belonging to the corporate departments/areas affected by the Regulation.

Training on the Public Procurement Code

Preparation and organisation of an inhouse project on the principles of the new Public Procurement Code, in collaboration with Studio Grimaldi; the Legal, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Infrastructure Development departments, for a total of 38 colleagues who took part in a training update session in regard to the new Public Procurement Code.

Manifesto of SEA people

Container of ten crucial crosscutting skills for everyone at SEA presented to 200 SEA people managers.

Training in “Public Speaking”

Initiative aimed at non-shift work colleagues and at a small group of young shift work graduates. Around 30 people completed the program consisting of four self-learning courses available on the Goodhabitz platform and will take part in a face-to-face training day organised with an external trainer.

Average annual number of training hours per head by gender and professional category

Note: the data do not include obligatory training hours. 
Source: SEA

Welfare

In 2023 the SEA Welfare offer saw an increase in initiatives regarding numerous themes, including above all those linked to Health and Wellbeing; part of these initiatives are also linked to joining the WHP – Workplace Health Promotion program (in 2023 SEA undertook to adopt practices aimed at encouraging the correct and smart adoption of an active lifestyle and to create a smoke-free environment, incentivising people to stop smoking).

As for Health, a melanoma prevention campaign was undertaken (with 500 free checks made available) and a telemedicine project was implemented. A webinar was organised on World No Tobacco Day and further virtual meetings were organised aimed at raising staff’s awareness above all of the risks linked to smoking. In addition, 30 give-up smoking programs were made available for free and the flu prevention campaign was realised, again for free, in keeping with previous years, over November and December (391 vaccines were administered). Finally, SEA increased the number of water dispensers located at the two sites of Linate and Malpensa (currently there are 20 of them).

As for Training, two study grants were made available for the children of employees, for a study trip in Europe and 493 merit-based study grants were provided across middle and high schools and universities. In addition, a BLSD – Basic Life Support Defibrillation - course was organised on the use of defibrillators, which was attended by 85 SEA employees from Malpensa and Linate.

In terms of Wellbeing, a portal was set up to promote mental and physical wellbeing through: discounts for the purchase of memberships at sports centres, the supply of a range of online courses (from mindfulness to cardio) and an area dedicated to psychological support, again online. In addition, an introductory course was organised for the sport of Nordic walking (20 participants). Cutting across the aforementioned initiatives, SEA provided a “Welfare Bonus”, for the benefit of all employees, which can be used through a flexible benefits portal. Finally, a survey was undertaken linked to SEA welfare, i.e. to employees’ level of satisfaction and to any divergent expectations in regard to the proposals that have already been implemented.

In terms of Mobility, there was continuing particular appreciation for the current initiative (which envisaged a corporate contribution of 50% for the cost of annual season tickets for ATM and Trenord): 322 season tickets were requested during the year, covering both new requests and renewals, compared to 183 in 2022.

The table shows the data for employees (full-time and part-time) accessing the services in the last three years. Workers on leasing contracts cannot use these services (except for the flu jab).

“SEA for you”: access to services

Source: SEA

Diversity

In order to promote gender balance in operational areas where men are prevalent, 83 women were recruited as security staff during 2023.

As part of the corporate projects on Diversity & Inclusion, especially in 2023, collaboration continued with the Valore D association involving 25 colleagues from all the corporate areas through the Valore D TALKS, while direct streams were offered to all company staff. A dedicated online training course was also launched called “Combatting the stereotype”. With the collaboration of Parks – Liberi e Uguali, an association of which SEA is a member, a D&I survey was undertaken aimed at all staff, the results of which were presented through a direct stream; the meeting was also the opportunity for discussion on how diversity and inclusion are issues which involve every department in our company, thanks to the first-hand accounts of various people managers.

Again in terms of D&I, the work group SEA4Equality continued with the activities leading up to achievement of UNI/PdR 125/2022 gender certification. The final step for certification is planned for January and February 2024.

Socio-economic impact generated by the airports

In 2023 the Milanese airport system returned to playing – not completely, but in a clear improvement on previous years – its role as an attractor of capital, a generator of work opportunities and an activator or catalyser of investment initiatives to benefit the whole territory of Lombardy and the whole North-West of Italy.

On the basis of the data relating to the socio-economic footprint of the Milanese airports – contained in various studies commissioned from the Observatory on Milanese airports of LIUC Business School and coordinated by Professor Massimiliano Serati – the SEA airport system in 2023 recorded a sharp increase in direct, indirect, induced and catalytic impacts compared to the previous year. The total benefits for Lombardy can be quantified at over 48.6 billion Euro, matched by the activation of just under 295 thousand jobs.  

Overall socio-economic impact of Malpensa

Putting together the results obtained from the estimates of the various types of impact considered, it emerges that Malpensa in 2023 generated an overall socio-economic impact – with variable intensity levels inside a territorial area which, depending on the processes considered, goes from the immediate hinterland, to Lombardy, to all of North Italy – corresponding to over 41 billion Euro in value of production generated (+6 billion Euro vs. 2022) and around 243 thousand jobs activated (+47 thousand compared to 2022).

Cumulative socio-economic impact of Malpensa in 2023

Source: Observatory on Milanese airports - LIUC BS

Overall socio-economic impact of Linate

Putting together the results obtained from the estimates of the various types of impact considered, it emerges that Linate in 2022 (dovrebbe essere 2023) generated an overall socio-economic impact – with variable intensity levels inside a territorial area which, depending on the processes considered, goes from the immediate hinterland, to Lombardy – corresponding to around 6.8 billion Euro in value of production generated (+1.2 billion Euro vs. 2022) and just under 52 thousand jobs activated (+15 thousand compared to 2022).

Cumulative socio-economic impact of Linate in 2023

Source: Observatory on Milanese airports - LIUC BS