MAG recognised as sector leader in global sustainability assessment
· MAG scored 100% in the 2026 GRESB assessment – a leading global benchmark for environmental, societal and governance performance.
· Group awarded Sector Leader status, alongside Infrastructure Asset Class Leader and Infrastructure Asset Super Class Leader titles.
· This was the sixth consecutive year that GRESB has awarded MAG its highest possible five-star rating.
The UK’s largest airports group has been recognised as a sustainability leader in the 2026 Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) assessment.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) was recognised as one of the highest performing European airport operators and awarded Sector Leader status, scoring 100% in the GRESB assessment - a globally recognised benchmark for environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
GRESB Sector Leader status is awarded to the highest-scoring organisations within their sector and region, and those scoring within one point of the top performer across annual assessments.
The long-term recognition reflects MAG's commitment to delivering responsible and sustainable growth across its airports, while delivering the wide ranging societal and economic benefits long-term value for passengers, colleagues, communities and investors.
MAG's sustainability strategy, Creating a sustainable future for all, sets out ambitions to shape the future of sustainable travel, minimise environmental impacts and act as a positive force in the local communities and regions it serves.
The Group is committed to achieving net zero carbon (Scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions) operations for its direct airport activities by 2038 and reducing its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 48% by 2030. Through its skills and employment programme, it is also committed to supporting 70,000 young people with their education by 2030 and investing a minimum of £1.5m to support local communities.
This was the sixth consecutive year that GRESB has awarded MAG a five-star rating, the highest possible. This year MAG also received both Infrastructure Asset Class Leader and Infrastructure Asset Super Class Leader awards. This placed the Group among the highest-performing infrastructure businesses in Europe.
It is the latest accolade the Group has received for its sustainability work, having been named a European Climate Leader by the Financial Times earlier this year for the fifth time.
MAG CEO Ken O’Toole said:
"Being recognised as Sector Leader in the 2026 GRESB Assessment is a significant achievement for MAG and reflects the hard work of colleagues across the business.
"As the UK's largest airport group, we have a responsibility to grow sustainably and have a positive impact on the communities we serve. This recognition demonstrates the progress we are making through the delivery our sustainability strategy, and reinforces our commitment to delivering long-term value while supporting the transition to a more sustainable future."
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Notes to Editors
MAG is an international travel services and infrastructure company. It runs Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports and global travel services business CAVU.
As the UK’s largest airports group, it serves more than 66m passengers a year. It is the largest private investor in transport infrastructure outside of London and contributes £14bn to the UK economy, supporting more than 45,000 jobs across its sites.
Through its Sustainability Strategy: Creating a sustainable future for all, MAG has target to make its operations net zero carbon (scope 1 and 2 market-based emissions) by 2038. It is also playing an industry leading role in supporting UK aviation’s transition to nettop zero by 2050. MAG is a member of the Government’s Jet Zero Taskforce and is a member – and the current Chair – of industry coalition, Sustainable Aviation.
For more information: Homepage | Manchester Airports Group
About GRESB
GRESB is the global sustainability intelligence standard for real assets. We transform sustainability data into decision-grade intelligence that drives capital allocation and asset improvement. Learn more at gresb.com.