TIACA’s 2023 Insights Report Reveals Air Cargo is Driving Sustainability Forward

The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) releases the third annual comprehensive study undertaken on the sustainable transformation of the air cargo industry.

As part of TIACA’s Sustainability program, launched in November 2019, the organization continues to track and assess the sustainable transformation of the air cargo industry through its annual industry survey involving supply chain partners from across the globe, within each industry sector and business size. This year we saw a 28% increase from respondents that has helped us build a more comprehensive assessment. The responses have been analyzed and published to reflect how the industry has progressed compared to the first assessment in 2020. The report’s findings continue to drive TIACA’s sustainability positions and strategy and addresses each of the eight key objectives from TIACA’s Sustainability Roadmap.

“Sustainability is clearly on the minds of our industry colleagues and while “Sustainability” is a broad concept, through our work we are able to bring awareness to the industry that it is more than just the environment. Sustainability is doing good for the planet, people and business and at TIACA we like to do this through partnerships and innovation.” Glyn Hughes, TIACA Director General

Key highlights of the report:

• 64% of respondents state that the sustainability pressure has increased compared to last year, mainly driven by customers and regulators
• There is a clear link between ESG action and reputation report 85% of respondents
• 75% emphasize that sustainability is more important than last year
• 76% of companies have confirmed they have a sustainability strategy in place
• More companies have dedicated teams and budgets to drive sustainability
• 52% of companies produce a sustainability report
• 9% of companies have indicated a reduction in energy consumption in their operations
• 50% of companies have upgraded their fleets to cleaner aerial and ground vehicles
• Airlines, Ground handlers and Freight forwarders show largest investment in the use of SAF to decarbonize
• Overall SAF commitments make slow progress and are led by large companies
• Airlines lead the way with single-use plastics reduction up by 16% from 2022
• 58% of airports and 43% of freight forwarders have ramped up their efforts to combat wildlife trafficking
• 52% of companies primarily airlines and ground handlers make efforts to improve local air quality
• Freight forwarders take the lead in reducing their noise impact
• More emphasis needs to be placed on the role the industry plays in creating economic value
• Companies that place staff attraction and retention as number one objective are most likely to invest in innovation, 96%
• Digitalization is maturing across the board and has increased to 78% from 66%
• 79% of air cargo companies focus on improving efficiencies and operational excellence

Top areas of focus

Beyond the defined People, Planet and Prosperity categories, the report urges the industry to take the following actions:

1. Set your sustainability agenda
2. Ramp up the sustainability resources
3. Address workforce challenges with people-focused strategy
4. Build trust in your business by joining the BlueSky program
5. Raise sustainability awareness
6. Get ready to address customer requests and regulation

“The third annual report clearly demonstrates that we as an industry are moving forward when it comes to increasing sustainable air cargo but there is a lot more work to be done. Assessing your companies progress when it comes to sustainability helps highlight where improvements can be made and TIACA’s BlueSky Program is just the tool to help.” Steven Polmans, Chair, TIACA

The full report can be read here.