Decarbonizing International Air Cargo Transportation’s Carbon Footprint: A Review of the World Air Cargo Carrying Airlines Current and Potential Environment Related Measures and Strategies

Abstract

Using an in-depth instrumental case study research design, this study has examined the current environmental related measures and strategies that have been defined and implemented to decarbonize air cargo operations by the world’s air cargo carrying airlines. The study covered the period 2004 to 2021. The case study found that the world’s air cargo carrying airlines are very cognizant of their environmental impact and, as a result, these airlines have defined and implemented an extensive range of measures and strategies to decarbonize their operations. These measures include the acquisition and deployment of fuel-efficient next generation aircraft, aircraft related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions offset programs, the use of fixed electrical ground power (FEGP) and pre-conditioned air at airports, the use of lightweight aircraft unit load devices (ULDs), use of sustainable aviation fuels, the use of renewable energy sources for ground based buildings and facilities, the electrification of air cargo carrying airlines ground service equipment (GSE), the optimization of air traffic management procedures, and the washing of aircraft engines. A key strategy adopted by the world’s air cargo carrying airlines has been the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), as this fuel source provides a very significant opportunity for the decarbonization of aircraft operations. Several key air cargo industry actors are planning in the future to use electric powered aircraft. Hydrogen as an aircraft energy source is also being considered. To mitigate the environmental impact of wastes, air cargo carrying airlines could consider adopting the circular economy waste management approach.