Air cargo should go “green” to save the environment…and save money

With the triennial ICAO Global Assembly convening in Montreal later this month, the International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) is placing a new emphasis on its strong support for a global solution to aviation emissions.

TIACA has consistently championed ICAO as the body to pursue a global agreement on aviation carbon emissions. It campaigned strongly against the controversial inclusion of aviation in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and welcomed the European Commission’s decision to postpone the application of the ETS to aviation. TIACA asked the Commission to pursue a global agreement through ICAO, which was designated in The Kyoto Protocol as the body with authority to set international aviation’s greenhouse gas policy.

Additionally, TIACA emphasizes that it is ready to join forces with ICAO and industry partners to undertake any efforts necessary to implement an Assembly decision to develop a single MBM.

At IATA’s recent Annual General Meeting in Cape Town, its members overwhelmingly endorsed a resolution calling for the implementation of an aviation carbon neutral growth strategy by 2020 (“CNG2020”).

“This action by IATA members, which aligns with TIACA’s longstanding objectives, is yet another sign of the strong commitment of the aviation industry to encourage and support a sustainable global standard for aviation emissions, which contribute only 2% of global man-made CO2 emissions,” says TIACA secretary General, Douglas Brittin.

He also notes that IATA has set out principles towards CNG2020 that should be embraced by the air cargo industry.

We agree for this reason, but also for one other: “green” efficiencies not only protect the environment, but also reduce cost in the long term, thereby permitting our air cargo providers with a new stream of revenue.