Greening air cargo: challenges, initiatives ahead!

Air cargo operations are an essential component of global trade, ensuring the rapid transportation of goods across continents. However, the environmental impact of these operations is significant and the airfreight industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. From emissions generated by aircraft to the energy-intensive logistics processes on the ground, sustainability challenges are multifaceted. In response, many major airports are pioneering green initiatives to minimise their environmental impact. 

Here, we explore the environmental implications of airfreight, discuss the sustainable measures airports are adopting and highlight three examples of airports greening the apron.

It is said that the aviation industry accounts for approximately 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions, with air cargo contributing a substantial portion due to the reliance on fuel-heavy freighter aircraft. This is further exacerbated by the high energy demands of maintaining temperature-sensitive cargo. Aircraft engines and ground handling equipment generate significant nois…