FREIGHTERS
F
AIR CARG O WEEK
TOWARD NET ZERO BY Anastasiya SIMSEK
A
ir cargo is under increasing pressure to prove that efficiency and sustainability can go hand in hand. While aircraft burn less fuel and operations become more automated,
containers and digital tools that reduce waste. The industry’s pathway to net zero is not paved by one technology, but by a layered, collaborative transformation.
Greener by design At the centre of the long-haul cargo conversation is the Airbus A350F, designed from the ground up to outperform ageing freighters. With a 40 percent fuel burn reduction compared to the 747F, and a 20 percent cut compared to the 777F, the A350F blends advanced aerodynamics with a structure made from over 70 percent lightweight materials including carbon fibre and titanium. “This isn’t just about emissions,”
Crawford Hamilton, Head of
Freighter Marketing at Airbus, stated. “It’s about maximising payload while minimising environmental cost. That’s what makes the A350F a freighter fit for the future.” Airbus is also developing next-generation freighters powered by
hydrogen fuel cells, although commercial readiness is now forecast for beyond 2035. In the meantime, all Airbus aircraft are certified to operate on up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—a bridge technology being increasingly embraced by carriers.
Terminals get a sustainability upgrade On the ground, major handlers are building the infrastructure to support low-emission operations. dnata, for instance, has made sustainability central to its global cargo strategy. “We’re integrating solar panels, rainwater harvesting, low-energy
lighting and smart HVAC systems across our network,” Guillaume Crozier, Chief Cargo Officer at dnata, highlighted. “Our Amsterdam Cargo City facility, opening this year, will be BREEAM-certified and almost entirely automated.” dnata also leads on ground fleet electrification, with over 70 percent
emissions. London Heathrow’s dnata trucks are also now HVO- powered, cutting over 2,400 tonnes of CO2
e annually. Menzies Aviation is similarly investing in green terminals and digital
efficiency. “We’re rolling out SMART building tech to monitor energy use, eliminate waste, and reduce emissions,” Beau Paine, EVP Cargo
of its vehicles at Amsterdam Schiphol now powered by electricity or solar. Non-electric units are running on 100 percent Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)—a biofuel that significantly reduces lifecycle CO2
of Menzies, explained. Menzies has launched an IEnvA certification programme across its
the
real shift lies in systemic change—from low-emission infrastructure and smart ground handling to recyclable
stations, reinforcing its commitment to measurable environmental performance. Their sustainability drive also includes recycling staff uniforms, wooden pallets, and single-use plastics.
Containers go circular Sustainability also extends to ULD design and handling, where two industry leaders—Jettainer and ACL Airshop—are pushing new standards. Jettainer has helped pioneer the Pallet Net Zero, made from bio-
based materials and 60 percent lighter than traditional nets. “Reducing weight means reducing fuel burn,”
Dr Jan-Wilhelm
Breithaupt, CEO of Jettainer, explained. “It’s a small component with a big impact.” The company also works with customers and OEMs to develop lightweight ULDs and extend asset life through predictive maintenance and AI-based damage detection. ACL Airshop, meanwhile, has contributed to the creation of the ULD
Climate Impact Label, which evaluates containers based on weight, durability, and second-life potential. “We’re helping customers make better procurement decisions.” “Even our aluminium pallets are thinner and lighter than standard
ones, but they still meet all airworthiness requirements.” Both companies are investing in IoT-based tracking, reducing the
likelihood of lost ULDs and enabling smarter repositioning—cutting unnecessary flights, idle time, and CO2
emissions.
Digital tools - physical senefits Digitalisation is playing a quiet but crucial role in reducing emissions. Kale Logistics Solutions estimates that a fully paperless airport handling 1 million shipments per year can save up to 1,000 trees. Meanwhile, dock scheduling and truck slot booking tools cut wait times, reduce congestion, and limit engine idling—lowering emissions from landside operations. Challenge Group, for example, has outfitted its Liege facility with
solar panels and electric ramp equipment, while using AI tools to plan more efficient freighter routes and reduce fuel consumption. The thread tying these efforts together is collaboration. From SAF
integration and data-sharing platforms to common standards for green ULD design and environmental certification, the industry’s push toward sustainability demands alignment at every level—airlines, airports, handlers, regulators, and tech providers. “Whether it’s building greener facilities or designing the next
generation of freighters, the goal is shared,” Crozier said. “We all have a role to play in making air cargo more efficient—and more responsible.”
www.aircargoweek.com 09 JUNE 2025 ACW
“This isn’t just about
emissions. It’s about
maximising
paylod while minimising
environmental cost.”
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