The air cargo industry plays a vital role in global commerce, ensuring the rapid delivery of essential goods like life-saving medicines, vaccines, and consumer products. However, this efficiency comes at an environmental cost. With projections showing a 70% increase in the global freighter fleet over the next two decades and freight capacity growing annually by 4.1%, the sector must urgently address its rising carbon emissions. By embracing sustainable practices such as modernising fleets, adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), reducing waste, and transitioning to renewable energy, air cargo is paving the way for a cleaner future.
Regulations Driving Decarbonisation
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and industry groups like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) are taking a leadership role in decarbonisation. At the Future Aviation Forum 2024, the President of ICAO, Salvatore Sciacchitano unveiled a roadmap to guide stakeholders toward sustainability goals. This complements IATA’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
These global roadmaps signal a clear path for the industry. The air cargo sector is aligning with global climate goals by adopting technologies such as SAF, energy-efficient operations, and digital optimisation.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels: The Key to Cleaner Skies
SAF has emerged as one of the most viable solutions to decarbonise aviation, including air cargo. Produced from renewable sources like used cooking oil, agricultural residues, and biomass, SAF can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuels.
IATA estimates that SAF will account for 65% of the emission reductions required to meet the industry’s 2050 climate targets. Industry leaders like Neste and American Airlines Cargo are pioneering SAF adoption:
- Neste’s MY SAF, produced using Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology, is one of the most commercially viable SAF solutions available today. According to Alexander Kueper, Vice President for Renewable Aviation at Nestle, “When used in neat form, SAF reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel.”
- American Airlines Cargo has been a frontrunner in SAF integration, adopting HEFA-based SAF since 2020. The airline has utilized 3.6 million gallons of SAF and plans to replace 10% of its jet fuel with SAF by 2030.
Innovative technologies are expanding SAF’s potential. Honeywell’s Fischer-Tropsch Unicracking process addresses the limited supply of traditional feedstocks by converting municipal waste, crop residues, and biomass into SAF. This advancement could reduce costs by up to 20% while increasing SAF output.
Honeywell’s Vice President, Ranjit Kulkarni, highlights the significance of such innovation: “Our hydrocracking technology enables a broader range of feedstocks, ensuring a more sustainable and reliable supply chain for SAF production.” Facilities like DG Fuels’ upcoming biofuel plant in Louisiana, expected to produce 13,000 barrels of SAF daily by 2028, demonstrate the scale and feasibility of this technology.
Addressing Industry Scepticism
While SAF offers promising solutions, challenges remain. High production costs, limited feedstocks, and concerns over economic feasibility have sparked debate within the industry. At the World Aviation Festival, Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman criticized SAF as “inefficient and economically unviable,” warning of potential disruptions to food supplies and rising operational costs.
Conversely, IATA CEO Willie Walsh strongly advocates for SAF, arguing that scaling production through policy support and innovation will overcome these barriers. Despite differing views, SAF remains a cornerstone of the aviation sector’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions.
Waste Management: Reducing Emissions Beyond the Sky
The air cargo industry also faces significant challenges related to waste management. According to IATA, 3.6 million metric tonnes of cabin and catering waste are generated annually, a figure that will grow as cargo volumes increase.
Airports and cargo operators are embracing circular economy principles to tackle this issue. For example:
- Edmonton International Airport (YEG) leads with waste reduction initiatives, such as recycling construction materials and embedding carbon dioxide into concrete projects using CarbonCure technology.
- Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl) repurposes recycled plastic bottles into uniforms and upcycles old uniforms into sustainable products.
- Lufthansa Cargo, in collaboration with IRED, transforms retired freight containers into creative products like travel trolleys and clocks, showcasing how innovation can reduce waste and create value.
Airlines like LATAM are also taking significant steps. By introducing reusable pallet covers, LATAM eliminated 1.7 tonnes of single-use plastics in 2023 alone, setting a benchmark for sustainable cargo operations.
The Role of Renewable Energy in Air Cargo Operations
To achieve net-zero emissions, the air cargo industry must integrate renewable energy solutions into its ground operations. Hydrogen fuel, solar power, and geothermal energy are emerging as transformative forces in airport and cargo sustainability.
Hydrogen-Powered Ground Support Equipment (GSE):
Airports like Singapore’s Changi, Japan’s Kansai, and Canada’s Edmonton International are deploying hydrogen-powered vehicles and refueling facilities. Exeter Airport in the UK is testing hydrogen-fueled GSE to reduce diesel usage, highlighting its potential to cut emissions during aircraft turnaround operations.
Solar Energy Initiatives:
Airports worldwide are investing in large-scale solar projects to power their operations:
- Dubai International Airport installed a solar energy system generating 29% of Terminal 2’s electricity needs.
- Rome-Fiumicino Airport operates a 60 MW photovoltaic system and plans to add 500 EV charging stations, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
- Edmonton International Airport is advancing its Airport City Solar Project, which will generate 120 MW of clean energy and offset 106,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Collaboration: Key to Building a Sustainable Future
The journey to decarbonise air cargo requires collective action across the industry. Collaboration between fuel producers, technology providers, airports, and regulators will drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of sustainable solutions.
As global cargo volumes grow, initiatives like SAF adoption, waste reduction, and renewable energy integration are not just strategies for compliance—they represent opportunities to transform the industry, reduce environmental impact, and secure long-term resilience.
Conclusion: Decarbonising for Tomorrow’s Cargo Needs
The air cargo industry’s path to sustainability is clear: modernize fleets, scale SAF production, reduce waste, and embrace renewable energy solutions. While challenges like cost barriers and supply limitations persist, innovative technologies and supportive policies offer a way forward.
At VURDHAAN, we work closely with aviation stakeholders to design and implement sustainable strategies that align with industry frameworks such as CORSIA, SAF adoption, and waste reduction initiatives. By prioritizing innovation and collaboration, the air cargo sector can meet its sustainability goals while maintaining operational efficiency and supporting global commerce.
The future of air cargo is green, and by taking bold steps today, the industry will secure a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.