TIACA sustainability programme launch customers announced
23 / 09 / 2022
Photo: petrmalinak/ Shutterstock
TIACA has announced the launch customers for the air cargo industry’s first multi-sector sustainability verification programme.
Following the launch of the TIACA BlueSky programme at the March Executive Summit, a successful pilot programme was run with airline and ground handling companies.
The BlueSky programme, open to the entire industry, not just TIACA members, is now ready to launch live operations with the first wave of participants representing organisations from the airline, airport, freight forwarder, ground handler and GSSA sectors.
Participants of the programme include Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Astral Aviation, Brussels Airport, CHI (Cargo Handling International), Edmonton International Airport, Etihad Cargo, Flexport, HACTL (Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited), Strike Aviation, and Swissport.
Phase one of the programme is an evidence-based desktop verification process designed to assess the applicants’ progress against a number of critical sustainability criteria.
The assessment process is tailored to each industry sector to ensure peer assessments and progress tracking provide maximised value.
Upon completion of the assessment by an independent organisation the participants receive a personalised dashboard highlighting where they currently are against the assessed criteria.
A subsequent phase will include a full onsite audit option with an in-depth report describing areas of improvement.
“We are very pleased to see such strong launch support from some world class innovative organisations. This programme will enable all participants to assess where they are on their sustainability transformation journey which will collectively demonstrate the leadership of the air cargo industry in tackling this important topic,” said Steven Polmans, TIACA chair.
Etihad Cargo has become the first Middle Eastern carrier to join the programme.
Over the past year, Etihad Cargo has embarked on several green initiatives, which include replacing 3,000 containers from its original aluminium unit load device (ULD) fleet with environmentally friendly lightweight versions.
The carrier has also entered into a memorandum of understanding with B Medical Systems to develop and launch the world’s first airline-specific passive temperature-controlled solution for the transportation of life-saving drugs, vaccines and high-value pharmaceuticals.
Martin Drew, senior vice president global sales & cargo, said: “Participating in TIACA’s BlueSky programme is just the latest step Etihad Cargo has taken to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“The assessment process will enable Etihad Cargo to more effectively measure the carrier’s performance and track its sustainability progress as it continues on its sustainability journey, which will benefit Etihad Cargo’s customers and the wider air cargo industry.”
Swissport said its decision to join the programme was part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and to eliminate waste.
“We really wanted to play our part in the TIACA initiative from the start and are proud to be one of the pioneers of their BlueSky Program,” said Nadia Kaddouri, chief strategy and sustainability officer of Swissport.
“As the global market leader in airport ground services and air cargo services, Swissport is committed to making a more sustainable aviation future a reality. We just announced extensive new sustainability goals last week.”
Last week, the handler set goals for the decarbonisation of its operations, waste management and circularity, and for diversity and inclusion among its people.
