By Maria Kalamatas – The Logistic News
March 21, 2025 – The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has released the 5th edition of its annual Air Cargo Sustainability Insights Report, delivering an in-depth analysis of the industry’s evolving commitment to sustainability. The latest findings provide a comprehensive overview of progress, challenges, and future strategies as air cargo stakeholders align with global environmental and social responsibility goals.
A Comprehensive Industry Perspective
This year’s report is based on 274 industry responses, covering a wide spectrum of stakeholders including airlines, airports, freight forwarders, ground handlers, shippers, equipment manufacturers, and IT providers. The data is categorized by industry sector and organizational size, ensuring a well-balanced representation of small, medium, and large enterprises.
Key Insights from the Report
Strengthening Leadership Commitment to Sustainability
- 96% of respondents confirmed CEO-level support for sustainability initiatives, with 88% reporting CFO involvement in ESG strategies.
- 71% of companies now have a formal sustainability strategy, with larger organizations leading at 84% adoption, compared to 60% among small businesses.
Growing Investments in Sustainability
- 42% of surveyed companies have a dedicated sustainability budget, demonstrating an increasing financial commitment to green initiatives.
- 53% of organizations now have designated sustainability teams, reflecting a structural shift towards long-term environmental responsibility.
Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency at the Forefront
- 72% of companies prioritize energy efficiency to reduce emissions and operational costs.
- Fleet modernization, digital transformation, and innovation are key focus areas, with 84% of respondents investing in digital solutions and 83% adopting innovation-driven sustainability measures.
Challenges in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Adoption
- SAF and carbon offset engagement have seen a decline, with only 32% of companies actively investing in SAF solutions and 35% leveraging carbon offsets.
Industry-Wide Push to Reduce Single-Use Plastics
- 91% of respondents indicate active measures to phase out single-use plastics and foam, reinforcing a commitment to waste reduction and environmental protection.
People-Centric Sustainability Approach
- 83% of companies invest in employee sustainability training, while 81% focus on workplace experience enhancements.
- 74% implement diversity and inclusion initiatives, reflecting a broader commitment to social sustainability.
TIACA’s Call to Action: Driving Industry-Wide Progress
TIACA continues to advocate for a sustainable transformation of the air cargo sector through its BlueSky sustainability assessment program. The organization urges industry stakeholders to:
- Set clear and actionable sustainability targets.
- Measure and track progress using data-driven insights.
- Communicate achievements transparently to industry partners and the public.
- Seek recognition through global sustainability assessment programs.
Industry Leaders Emphasize the Need for Collective Action
Steven Polmans, Chair of TIACA, underlined the urgency for continued innovation:
“With increasing regulatory and customer expectations, the air cargo sector must continue to innovate and collaborate to achieve long-term sustainability. This report showcases significant progress but also highlights the road ahead. The industry must take decisive steps to integrate sustainability into core business strategies.”
Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA, acknowledged the industry’s contributions and encouraged further engagement:
“We appreciate the time and effort of all those who participated in this year’s survey. Their insights demonstrate the air cargo industry’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. We also encourage all companies to undertake the BlueSky assessment, which offers a personalized sustainability dashboard to track their progress.”
Looking Ahead: Sustainability as a Core Business Strategy
As the air cargo industry faces increasing regulatory pressures and evolving market demands, integrating sustainability into business models, operational frameworks, and investment strategies will be critical for long-term success.
The findings from TIACA’s 5th Annual Air Cargo Sustainability Insights Report emphasize that while significant progress has been made, continued collaboration and innovation will be key to achieving net-zero emissions and long-term environmental resilience.
Stay updated with The Logistic News for the latest industry developments.
Maria Kalamatas
Senior Journalist, The Logistic News
