Etihad Cargo, has advanced its sustainability journey by becoming the first Middle Eastern carrier to participate in The International Air Cargo Association's (TIACA) BlueSky programme.
Following the March 2022 launch announcement of the air cargo industry's first multi-sector sustainability verification programme and successful pilot programme, Etihad Cargo is one of the first participants to join the programme's live operations. Other participants include organisations from airline, airport, ground handler, and general sales and service agents sectors.
The first phase of the programme comprises an evidence-based desktop verification process in which participants can assess their progress against eight critical sustainability criteria, including decarbonisation, waste elimination, biodiversity protection, support for local economies and communities, impact on society improvement, efficiency and profitability, employee engagement, retention and development, and partnership building.
Upon completion of the tailored assessment process, Etihad Cargo will receive a personalised dashboard which displays the carrier's performance against the criteria. Later phases of the programme will include the option for a full onsite audit with an in-depth report that highlights areas for improvement.
"Sustainability remains a key pillar of Etihad Cargo's agenda," said Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo. "Although the air cargo industry has historically been considered less sustainable than other methods of transportation, the sector is making great strides in developing more sustainable solutions and is investing in fleet modernisation, fuel efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel and carbon compensation initiatives.
"Participating in TIACA's BlueSky programme is just the latest step Etihad Cargo has taken to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The assessment process will enable Etihad Cargo to more effectively measure the carrier's performance and track its sustainability progress as it continues on its sustainability journey, which will benefit Etihad Cargo's customers and the wider air cargo industry."
