Air Cargo Management

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo drives sustainability with SkyTeam challenge

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo is supporting its parent airlines in the second edition of the Sustainable Flight Challenge, organised by SkyTeam.

On May 17 KLM operated a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner flight from Amsterdam to Los Angeles while Air France will embark on a journey from Paris to Atlanta on May 23 operating an Airbus A350-900.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo said the flights symbolised its commitment to achieving the highest possible level of sustainability.

The firm said: “We’re constantly exploring new ways to make our operations more sustainable and reduce our environmental impact.

“We acknowledge that achieving meaningful change in the airfreight industry requires collective efforts.

“We take pride in the progress we have made together with our partners towards achieving greater sustainability.

Adriaan den Heijer, executive vice-president Air France-KLM Cargo and managing director of Martinair, said:

“It’s fantastic and truly inspiring to witness how our passionate colleagues and partners have gone the extra mile in a short period of time to raise awareness and drive sustainability initiatives forward.

“The airfreight industry is a complex ecosystem involving many stakeholders. By uniting, we can catalyse, accelerate and transform the industry.

“Through the Sustainable Flight Challenge, we channel all of this positive energy towards a single shared goal: creating a more sustainable airfreight industry.”

For the second edition of the Sustainable Flight Challenge, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo  is supporting both Air France and KLM on the following initiatives:

1% for the Planet

Inspired by the Patagonia initiative: 1% for the Planet. We will be allocating 1% of Cargo turnover from all LAX flights during the week of the Sustainable Flight Challenge to the Gold Standard Foundation.

Optimise cargo load (high load and ideal weight & balance)

Weight & balance are crucial for safe flight operations and the position of the centre of gravity has a direct impact on fuel consumption. Implementing effective cargo load planning can result in significant fuel savings. The benefits here are twofold: reduced weight by having to carry less fuel and reduced emissions!

HVO on EU trucking network

Joining forces with several partner trucking companies, we reviewed our emissions and invested in Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for our European trucking network in the two days leading up to the challenge, May 15-16 in a bid to reduce our carbon footprint.

Sustainable cargo operations

Paperless handling (E-AWB), electric transport in the warehouse and electric tractors to transport cargo to the aircraft. Reduce weight (operation support materials) During our cargo operations we will use lightweight nets, cardboard board cases, cardboard beams, lightweight unit load devices (ULD), and re-usable covers for cargo pallets.

Eco paperboard pallets (pilot)

We will be conducting a pilot with cardboard pallets instead of wooden ones for freight transport. This will generate weight savings of five to eight kilograms per pallet. The pallets are made from recycled paper (94%) and are easy to recycle.

Sign In

Lost your password?