But, there’s a bigger question – can a sustainable model of cargo air freights be pocket-friendly to the consumers?
Why Sustainability Is Non-Negotiable in Cargo Air Shipping
Air freights are arguably the biggest carbon footprint in logistics – emitting 500 grams of CO₂ per ton-kilometer, while sea fleets come in at just 10 grams of CO₂ per ton-kilometer. This carbon intensiveness of air shipments calls for innovative and substantial emissions control plans.
ICAO also has an ambitious 2050 target, aiming to reduce net aviation CO₂ emissions by 50% compared to 2005 levels. This goal has the entire industry of cargo air shipping scrambling for solutions for fuel, aircraft, and operational efficiencies.
Leading global brands are also doing their part, under the umbrella of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting. Supply chain logistics providers are now required to account for and be transparent about their carbon footprint.
Product market leaders are also increasingly prioritizing
eco-conscious shipping partnerships, making green logistics a critical competitive advantage for freight forwarders – especially with air cargo.
Green Innovations in Air Cargo Freights
In response to these new legislations and climate-friendly logistics policies, the industry has come up with a few innovative workarounds.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are divided into biofuels and synthetic fuels.
Biofuels are obtained from renewable, biomass sources – palm, agricultural residues, used cooking oil, or algae. Synthetic fuels observe a power-to-liquid model, where renewable electricity and CO₂ are processed to form clean-burning fuel.
SAFs are currently 1% of global aviation fuel, but show lifecycle carbon emissions reductions by up to 80%. Cost is currently the biggest hurdle, and industry experts are working towards a cost-effective option in the near future.
Lightweight Materials & Load Optimization
Today’s air cargo shipments are packed in lightweight carbon fiber and composite materials. In contrast to classical options like aluminum, carbon fiber and composite cargo air shipments have shown to optimize fuel usage by 12%.
AI-driven solutions like smart load balancing let logistics providers optimize cargo placement for better weight distribution and balance. As a result, fuel is better optimized and burns cleaner – mostly due to reduced drag and resistance.
Fleet Modernization & Engine Tech
Cargo air shipping providers today are opting for fuel-efficient aircrafts like the Boeing 777F and Airbus A350F, for cost-saving sustainability. These aircrafts have managed to improve fuel efficiency by 15-20% per ton-km, surpassing predecessor models.
Extensive experimentation in the aviation industry has also given birth to the electric and hybrid-electric propulsion concepts. These smart, energy-efficient systems promise to reduce emissions significantly, especially for short-haul cargo routes.
While we are still miles away from complete electrification of transport, sustainable energy concepts are being tested and improved as we speak. And as investments and pilot projects increase, we may just see it sometime in the near future.
Route Optimization & Digitalization
Modern air shipment operations are integrating data-driven technologies for route planning, emissions management, and efficiency – all without breaking bank. Some of the noteworthy innovations here include :
- AI-Based Route Planning –
- IoT Sensors for Real-Time Efficiency –
- Predictive Analytics for Empty-Leg Reduction –
What Sustainable Cargo Air Shipping Means for You
Shifting to greener air freight solutions is a necessary environmental initiative. But these innovative measures may bring about increased cost and fewer sustainable cargo air shipping options. Here’s how all that works :
How You Can Ship Green with Dafey
Choosing the greener cargo air shipping option doesn’t have to be complicated – we at Dafey make it quick and easy for you to port into more sustainable logistical solutions. Here’s how we do it :
- Green Partnership Network –
- Integrated Logistics –
- Consolidated Shipments –
Sustainable Cargo Air Shipping With Dafey Freights
At Dafey, we understand the need for a greener future in logistics. Our sustainability efforts – fuel optimization, shipment consolidation, and load management – put us on track towards matching the CORSIA mandate.