Net Zero 2050 is an imperative, arguably the challenge of the generation, one that the whole worldwide industry is aiming toward. The elimination of waste and streamlining of methods are constant efforts, with companies exploring continuous improvements toward new efficiencies and profitability that contribute toward sustainable businesses on multiple levels.
“All of us in aviation live and operate in an intricately interconnected world. Sure, there are governmental pressures about climate change, and even a top-down push by entities such as giant global wealth pools for companies to adhere to “environmental, social and governance” (ESG) mandates,” Bernhard Kindelbacher, ACL Airshop’s CEO, explained.
“Our reply is more humanistic—we do the right thing as an organisation. Climate changes and aviation changes are creating “new imperatives.” Putting aside politics and economic pressures, all of us as humans should endeavour to improve the planet for generations to come.”
Action, not words
According to Business News Daily, “when a company purports to be environmentally conscious for marketing purposes but actually isn’t making any notable sustainability efforts,” this is greenwashing. The best counterpoint to complaints about greenwashing is to be factual and transparent.
“Our aluminIum pallet specifications are measurably lighter weight and thinner than regular pallets, yet still conformal to FAA and EASA standards. This cuts weight, of course, and also has a small but tangible impact on reducing fuel burn,” Kindelbacher explained.
“Every little bit helps” in terms of weight in flight efficiencies. It all adds up when multiplied by many thousands of pallets on thousands of annual flights.
“More significantly, we have actual case studies in which clients have added flights and/or decreased the number of ULDs needed to support the same number of flights due to tracking and balancing with our smart logistics technologies, collaborative communications, and site training for GSA’s and other supporting parties in the ecosystem.
“As we asserted in the recent cargo symposium in Hong Kong, the challenges for sustainability are both technical and economic.
“Namely, the estimated capital outlay for sustainable fuel production toward the Net Zero industry target is estimated at roughly US$3 trillion.
“That means numerous global governments must also incentivise the Net Zero goal with tax breaks, bond financing, and methods for accelerating the accompanying infrastructure investments.”
Technological approach
Tracking or localisation is the basis and backbone for any efficient operation. Without a real-time localisation, you will see more ULDs moving around, more extra ULDs need to be positioned, inventory has to be higher. In this respect, economic efficiency comes parallelled with higher sustainability, as we can avoid extra costs and use fewer resources.
“ACL Airshop’s digital strategy is focused on customer-oriented improvements and operational excellence,” Kindelbacher highlighted.
“With ACL’s Digital Suite, we help our customers to manage their ULD fleet as efficiently as possible together with their 3P stations. For example, digital reporting of damages via the FindmyULD App, real-time stock insights, advanced reporting and digital tracking via our smart trackers are part of this suite.
“ACL Airshop has digitised the maintenance, repair and overhaul, inspection and logistical processes to be more efficient and cost-effective. ACL Airshop continuously listens to its customers and continues to invest in technology to serve its customers and operations as optimally as possible.
“As a tangible result, one of our goals is to yield eventual cost savings on the client’s ULD Fleet by reducing the number of ULDs needed by up to 15 percent to 20 percent – simply “doing more with less.” This is achievable by new logistics efficiencies and smart balancing.”
Industry-wide
Airports and cargo centres are investing in sustainable infrastructure. This includes upgrading ground handling equipment to reduce emissions, installing solar panels for renewable energy, developing “green taxiways” to optimise aircraft movements, and “green buildings” that are made and equipped differently with an eye on multi-layered efficiencies.
“This is not an overnight fix. It truly must be a global effort across all subsets of aviation, including cargo and its supporting ecosystem,” Kindelbacher outlined.
Mother nature certainly defines so many of the ground rules. She makes it tough in harsh climates such as the hottest deserts and the coldest northlands.
“To the great credit of airport and cargo operators in such areas, we can all see that they are adapting with a sustainability mindset.
“Just look at the future-proofing airport infrastructure designs that are now in work in gigantic projects such as the massive expansion of Riyadh Airport—it has been much publicised in the world press. It is safe to say that is the direction where everybody is leaning.”
