Air cargo plays a crucial role in global trade, enabling fast, reliable transportation of goods across continents. From life-saving medical supplies to everyday consumer products, air cargo is the backbone of many industries. However, this vital sector is also grappling with a significant challenge: sustainability. As the demand for air cargo services continues to rise—driven by the growth of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables—so does its environmental footprint. Air cargo currently accounts for around 2-3% of global carbon emissions, which is expected to grow if left unchecked.
In response, the air cargo industry is undergoing a major transformation, with stakeholders, including airlines, airports, logistics providers, and regulators, now focusing on sustainability as a top priority. But achieving sustainability in air cargo is a complex challenge. It involves rethinking fuel sources, optimising operations, and adopting new technologies—all while maintaining the speed and reliability that the industry is known for. The road to sustainable air cargo may be long, but the industry is making strides toward a greener future.
At the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai in June 2024, Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior VP of Sustainability & Chief Economist at IATA, cited aviation pioneer Edward Vernon Rickenbacker, who once said, «Aviation is proof that, given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible,» Thomsen emphasised that by working together and forging strong partnerships across the value chain, the industry can turn the impossible into reality.
Similarly, in a recent interaction with The STAT Trade Times, Chandrakala Bobba, Director, Bobba Group said, «Sustainability is a shared responsibility that the entire industry must embrace, and on World Sustainability Day (October 26), we reflect on how far we have come and the road ahead. Across sectors, companies are adopting innovative practices that reduce environmental impact and enhance resource efficiency.”
To explore initiatives how the aviation industry and the entire air cargo sector is pacing towards its goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, The STAT Trade Times launched – Future of Transport: Innovative and Sustainable, an air cargo series brought to you in partnership with Edmonton International Airport (YEG).
Edmonton International Airport prioritises sustainability by collaborating with airlines, tenants, and partners to lead in waste management and recycling. YEG reuses materials like asphalt millings in runway projects and adopts eco-friendly technologies like CarbonCure for greener construction. Stormwater is repurposed for construction, and materials are salvaged from electrical projects, making sustainability a key focus in all operations.
The Canadian airport also claims “We are the future home of Airport City Solar, the world’s largest solar farm at an airport.” They’ve built a $12 million natural gas cogeneration plant, reducing the main terminal’s carbon footprint by 20%. Over 18,000 light fixtures have been replaced with energy-efficient LEDs. YEG also supports testing new fuel-efficient aviation technologies and sponsors biofuel research for aircraft at the University of Alberta.
The environmental footprint of air cargo
Air cargo’s environmental impact is primarily linked to its reliance on jet fuel, a fossil-based energy source. While air cargo represents less than 1% of global trade by volume, it accounts for about 35% by value, highlighting its role in transporting high-value, time-sensitive goods. The very nature of air freight—fast, global, and efficient—means that reducing its carbon footprint is a unique challenge.
Carbon emissions from cargo planes contribute significantly to global greenhouse gases. Additionally, the extensive use of single-use packaging materials, particularly in temperature-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals, contributes to waste. Airports and ground operations also play a role in the overall environmental impact, with energy-intensive activities such as refrigeration, lighting, and vehicle emissions adding to the sector’s carbon footprint.
“At Bobba Group, we are contributing by repurposing condensation in cold storage systems, using recycled plastic pallets, and prioritising eco-friendly packaging. Our solar-powered facilities, biodegradable pallets, and pallet pooling programmes further support our mission to reduce waste and extend the life cycles of resources,” said Bobba.
Rising regulatory pressure and c-suite commitment According to The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA), there is increasing pressure from regulators for businesses to focus more on sustainability. TIACA’s Air Cargo Sustainability Insights Report from February 2024 found that the regulatory pressure has surged, with 61% of respondents indicating its importance—up from 37% in 2021. This represents a six-point increase from the previous year and a remarkable 24-point increase compared to 2021.
As a direct result, sustainability is now a priority for the C-suite. The report reveals that 91% of respondents confirmed support for sustainability initiatives from their CEO, with 97% highlighting that sustainability is equally or more important than in the previous year. TIACA’s Director General, Glyn Hughes, stated, “We see significant increases in organisations’ focus on energy efficiency and carbon footprint reductions. Fleet renewals feature in airline and ground handler strategies, as well as green, more efficient buildings and optimisation strategies leveraging innovation and digitalisation.”
This shift in mindset among top executives signifies a critical turning point for the air cargo industry. By prioritising sustainability, companies are not only adhering to regulatory pressures but are also positioning themselves as responsible players in a market increasingly concerned about environmental impact…
