Air cargo driving sustainability forward, says report
As part of TIACA’s Sustainability program, launched in November 2019, the organisation continues to track and assess the sustainable transformation of the air cargo industry through its annual industry survey involving supply chain partners from across the globe, within each industry sector and business size. This year there was a 28% increase from respondents that has helped it build a more comprehensive assessment. The responses have been analysed and published to reflect how the industry has progressed compared to the first assessment in 2020. The report’s findings continue to drive TIACA’s sustainability positions and strategy and addresses each of the eight key objectives from TIACA’s Sustainability Roadmap, said a release.
Key highlights of the report:
* 64% of respondents state that sustainability pressure has increased compared to last year, mainly driven by customers and regulators
* There is a clear link between ESG action and reputation report 85% of respondents
* 75% emphasise that sustainability is more important than last year
* 76% of companies have confirmed they have a sustainability strategy in place
* More companies have dedicated teams and budgets to drive sustainability
* 52% of companies produce a sustainability report
* 9% of companies have indicated a reduction in energy consumption in their operations
* 50% of companies have upgraded their fleets to cleaner aerial and ground vehicles
* Airlines, ground handlers and freight forwarders show largest investment in the use of SAF to decarbonise
* Overall SAF commitments make slow progress and are led by large companies
* Airlines lead the way with single-use plastics reduction up by 16% from 2022
* 58% of airports and 43% of freight forwarders have ramped up their efforts to combat wildlife trafficking
* 52% of companies, primarily airlines and ground handlers, make efforts to improve local air quality
* Freight forwarders take the lead in reducing their noise impact
* More emphasis needs to be placed on the role the industry plays in creating economic value
* Companies that place staff attraction and retention as number one objective are most likely to invest in innovation, 96%
* Digitalisation is maturing across the board and has increased to 78% from 66%
* 79% of air cargo companies focus on improving efficiencies and operational excellence
Top areas of focus
Beyond the defined People, Planet and Prosperity categories, the report urges the industry to take the following actions:
* Set your sustainability agenda
* Ramp up the sustainability resources
* Address workforce challenges with people-focused strategy
* Build trust in your business by joining the BlueSky program
* Raise sustainability awareness
* Get ready to address customer requests and regulation