The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has released the fourth comprehensive study undertaken on the air cargo industry’s sustainability position.

Supply chain partners from across the globe and from each industry sector and business size were involved in the 2024 Insights Report to demonstrate the progress the industry has made towards a more sustainable future.

The Insights Report supports TIACA’s comprehensive Sustainability Program focused on People, Planet and Prosperity supported by innovation and partnership.

The report continues to showcase the work of the Sustainability Program and the development of new projects that support a sustainable air cargo industry.

Steven Polmans, TIACA chair, said: “The results of the Insights Report are encouraging and while we have made progress on the sustainability front, we still have quite a bit of work to do.

“The Insights Report allows us to see how far we have come from the initial launch four years ago to where we are today as well as areas that we need to put more focus on.”

Some of the highlights recorded in the report include:

• C-suite prioritise sustainability: 91% of the respondents confirm it is supported by their chief executive, 81% by their chief finance officer and 97% highlight sustainability is equally or more important than last year
• Survey reveals that companies see a clear link between their ESG performance and their reputation (85%) and attractiveness (73%) but less so for their bottom line (39%)
• The pressure from regulators keeps increasing year on year: only 37% of the respondents in 2021 were indicating regulatory pressure while it is now 61%, i.e. six points more than last year and 24 points compared to 2021
• While 71% have a sustainability strategy, this number hides notable differences between large (92%) and small companies (46%)
• 74% of companies with a sustainability strategy feel that sustainability is embedded in their company’s DNA
• Sustainability reporting becomes the norm: 79% (nine points increased compared to last year) measure their progress on sustainability targets, and 81% of them produce a sustainability report
• Not surprisingly, the air cargo industry first tackles efficiencies and operational excellence with innovation and digitalisation fueling the modernisation efforts
• The industry continues investing in its people through training programmes (79%) and employee well-being (76%). 70% declare they take action to advance their diversity and inclusion credentials
• 71% of airports confirm they are transitioning to green buildings and 79% are actively tackling their water management issues and 80% focusing on reducing their noise footprint.
• Offsetting gains some traction, probably due to mandatory schemes with 43% of companies using offsetting mechanisms.

The report classifies the various aspects of sustainability into three key areas: encompassing critical items to operate successfully; essential items to grow; and a wide range of exemplary areas to differentiate.

Glyn Hughes, TIACA director general, said: “This year’s Insights Report continues to underline how important sustainability has become within the industry and supports TIACA’s Sustainability Program.

“As we continue our work on this front, we continue to look for ways we as an association can help guide the industry towards a more sustainable future.

“We are committed to continuing to support the industry through the Sustainability Program’s robust portfolio and will maintain our investment in projects such as BlueSky, the Sustainability Awards, the Sustainability Roadmap and the annual survey and publication of the Insights Report.

“As we move ahead, we look forward to the launch of new projects that will continue to support the industry’s sustainability path including the Invest In Climate Action and the Air Cargo Training Library platforms, both of which are scheduled to launch this week.”

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