IATA reports on latest progress made on lowering carbon emissions

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the latest edition of its Fly Net Zero reports, which covers the latest industry developments for January and February as the industry moves towards a target of zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Some of the latest developments relate to the cargo side of the aviation industry. For example, Korean Air Lines announced a partnership agreement with Japanese global logistics company Yusen Logistics for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) cooperation programme for cargo.

Swissport Italy confirmed its intention to invest ¢11 million in electric vehicles at Rome Fiumicino airport. The ground support equipment (GSE) to be acquired will include tractors for towing and push back of long-haul aircraft, passenger buses, baggage belts, cargo loaders and transporters.

Additionally, the handler is upgrading its fleet of baggage tractors, with 50 new electric tractors already operational at Fiumicino and another 70 scheduled for delivery before summer.

Cathay Cargo Terminal became the first cargo terminal in Hong Kong to adopt 50% recycled plastic cargo cover sheets for all export cargo shipments built up within its terminal, increasing its sustainability performance in this regard over its current specification of no less than 30% recycled content.

Fly Net Zero is the commitment of airlines to achieve net zero carbon by 2050.

At the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting in Boston, in the US, in October 2021, a resolution was passed by IATA member airlines committing them to achieving net zero carbon emissions from their operations by 2050.

This pledge brought air transport in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2°C.

Success in meeting this ambitious goal, IATA noted, will require the coordinated efforts of the entire industry (airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, manufacturers and so on) as well as significant government support.

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