Air freight operations are an essential component of global trade, ensuring the rapid transportation of goods across continents. However, the environmental impact of these operations is significant and the air cargo industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. From emissions from aircraft to energy-intensive logistics operations on the ground, sustainability challenges are multifaceted. In response, many major airports are pioneering green initiatives to reduce their environmental impact.
Here, we explore the environmental impacts of air freight, discuss the sustainable measures airports are adopting, and highlight three examples of airports that are greening the airport landscape.
The aviation industry is said to account for approximately 2-3% of global carbon dioxide2 Emissions, with air freight contributing a large portion due to reliance on fuel-heavy cargo aircraft. This is exacerbated by the high energy requirements for maintaining temperature-sensitive goods. Aircraft engines and ground handling equipment generate significant noise, which impacts communities surrounding airports.
Besides airborne emissions, ground operations contribute to air and water pollution. The use of diesel-powered ground support equipment, ineffective waste management, and spills of hazardous materials further exacerbate environmental losses. Air cargo storage and refrigeration facilities often rely on non-renewable energy sources, resulting in high greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable practices
To address these challenges, airports are implementing a range of initiatives to enhance sustainability, particularly in the apron – the operations area where aircraft are parked, loaded and refueled. These practices focus on improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and encouraging the use of renewable energy.
Three airports serve as examples of airport apron greening.
The first is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Netherlands). This northwestern European airport is a pioneer in sustainability and has taken bold steps to green its apron. The airport replaced a significant portion of its traditional diesel-powered GSEs with electric alternatives, including baggage tractors, rear-wheel drive tugs and conveyor belts. These electric cars reduce local air pollution and operational noise.
Schiphol has installed solar panels across its facilities to power the eGSE fleet and other airport systems. The integration of renewable energy ensures that ground operations remain environmentally friendly. Schiphol has partnered with airlines to test and implement systems that allow aircraft to move to and from runways using electric tow vehicles instead of jet engines, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
In the United States, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a leader in sustainable airport practices in North America, with a focus on clean energy and emissions reduction. The airport has installed fixed electric ground power (FEGP) units and conditioned air (PCA) systems at all aircraft gates. These systems allow aircraft to turn off their auxiliary power units (APUs) while parked, reducing fuel burn and emissions on the apron.
LAX has collaborated with airlines and fuel suppliers to increase the use of SAF, reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. Although not directly related to the airport apron, the SAF certification complements the airport’s green apron initiatives by reducing the overall environmental impact of air cargo.
It has set ambitious targets to transition all GSE operations operating at the airport to zero-emission alternatives by 2031, with several operators already making significant progress.
In Asia, Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest air cargo hubs in the world and has adopted green technologies to reduce its environmental footprint. HKIA has deployed a fleet of autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) to transport goods between warehouses and aircraft, reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency.
The airport replaced traditional high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps with energy-efficient LED lighting systems in the airport apron. This initiative not only reduces energy consumption but also provides better lighting for night operations. Hong Kong International Airport has implemented advanced water recycling systems to treat and reuse water used in ground operations, such as aircraft washing and cooling, thus conserving precious resources.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of air cargo operations is a pressing concern, but major airports around the world are proving that sustainability and efficiency can coexist. Through the electrification of ground equipment, the adoption of renewable energy and innovative water and waste management systems, airports are greening the airport landscape and leading the way towards a more sustainable future. Schiphol Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport are just three examples of how proactive measures can transform air cargo operations, benefiting both the industry and the planet. By scaling up such initiatives and enhancing global cooperation, the aviation sector can significantly reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to achieving global sustainability goals.
