Pandemic impact results in improved positive approach on improving sustainability of air cargo
A survey from supply chain group TIACA shows that sustainability is growing in importance for the air cargo industry, with 63 per cent of respondents believing that sustainability was more important to the industry in 2020 than it was in 2019, despite the Covid-19 outbreak.
Of the various air cargo players, shippers ranked highest, with 87 per cent of them saying that sustainability had increased in importance over the last 12 months.
Respondents were also asked how the outbreak had affected their sustainability programme, with 44 per cent saying it had no impact, 37 per cent saying it had a positive impact and 19 per cent saying its effect was a negative one.
Other findings from the research were: 91 per cent of respondents confirm their sustainability agenda is supported directly by their chief executive; 81 per cent indicate there are concrete actions defined making sustainability a real strategic priority for their company and 69 per cent reported that sustainability considerations play an increasingly important role in procurement activity.
TIACA survey finds different regional priorities
It also found that sustainability drivers differ from one region to another, reflecting different priorities from social communities across the globe.
Glyn Hughes, TIACA director general, said: ‘Sustainability is one of the key priority areas for TIACA as the air cargo industry must reflect the global society it serves. We must collectively seek to focus on People, Planet and Prosperity.
‘To flourish in the years to come, we must create equal opportunities for all, embrace technology and innovation and ensure we implement environmentally responsible solutions designed to protect the planet today and for generations to come.’
The research is part of TIACA’s sustainability programme, launched in November 2019 along with consultancy Change Horizon.
In total, 127 people took part in the survey from airlines, airports, ground handlers, forwarders, shippers, solution providers, consultants, associations and media, reports London’s Air Cargo News.
