Category: news

March 10, 2025 by Payload Asia

 

For decades, air cargo has been a male-dominated industry, but times are changing. More women are stepping into leadership and operational roles, reshaping the future of logistics and proving that gender diversity is not just an aspiration but a necessity for innovation and growth. At the forefront of this transformation is Etihad Cargo, which has made deliberate efforts to foster an inclusive workplace where women are empowered to thrive.

Jacqueline Han Lin Ni, Regional General Manager, Northeastern Asia, Etihad Cargo.

“Etihad Cargo recognises that diversity is a key driver of success, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where women feel empowered to thrive. We have made deliberate efforts to increase female representation across all levels of the organisation, ensuring that women have equal opportunities in operational and leadership roles,” says Jacqueline Han Lin Ni, Regional General Manager, Northeastern Asia, Etihad Cargo.

From mentorship to leadership: Supporting career growth

Mentorship plays a crucial role in career growth, and Jacqueline strongly believes in its ability to elevate women in the workplace.

“Mentorship has been instrumental in my own career, and I strongly believe in its power to support and elevate women in the workplace,” shares Jacqueline. “At Etihad Cargo, we have formal mentorship programmes that connect female employees with experienced leaders who can provide career guidance, share insights, and help them navigate challenges. These programmes facilitate professional growth and help build confidence and expand networks, which are crucial for career advancement.”

Beyond mentorship, Jacqueline also highlights the importance of structured sponsorship programs, where senior leaders actively advocate for high-potential women and ensure they are considered for leadership opportunities.

“The industry has an opportunity to introduce more structured sponsorship programmes, where senior leaders actively advocate for high-potential women, ensuring they are considered for key roles and leadership opportunities. Sponsorship is particularly important because it goes beyond guidance—it provides tangible career progression by positioning women for promotions and leadership positions. I have personally seen the impact of mentorship in empowering women at Etihad Cargo, and I am committed to further strengthening these initiatives to help more women advance in the industry.”

Overcoming challenges in a traditionally male-dominated industry

Despite progress, women in air cargo continue to face challenges, particularly in leadership and technical roles. Jacqueline acknowledges these barriers and emphasises how Etihad Cargo is addressing them.

“The air cargo and logistics industry has historically been male-dominated, and women continue to face several challenges, particularly in leadership and technical roles,” says Jacqueline. “Gender stereotypes persist, and women are often underestimated when it comes to operational and decision-making positions. Additionally, a lack of female representation in leadership can make it difficult for women to envision a long-term career path in this field. Another challenge is retention—talented women leave the industry due to limited career growth opportunities, inflexible work arrangements, or workplace cultures that do not always foster inclusivity.”

To combat these challenges, Etihad Cargo has implemented policies that support work-life balance, leadership training to accelerate career progression, and recruitment processes designed to eliminate bias. These steps are helping more women not just enter the industry, but thrive and advance within it.

How women drive innovation

Diversity is not just about fairness—it’s also about performance and innovation. Etihad Cargo has experienced firsthand the benefits of having a diverse workforce.

“Diversity in leadership and decision-making drives innovation, and at Etihad Cargo, we have seen first-hand how gender diversity contributes to our success. Women bring different perspectives, collaborative leadership styles, and innovative approaches to problem-solving, which are essential in a fast-paced, complex industry like air cargo. A diverse workforce fosters creativity, improves decision-making, and enhances team performance,” shares Jacqueline.

The role of women in shaping the future of logistics cannot be overstated, particularly as the industry undergoes rapid technological transformation, including automation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable supply chain solutions. Having diverse voices at the table ensures that companies remain agile and competitive.

Paving the way for the future

While Etihad Cargo has made significant strides in gender diversity, the company remains committed to continuous improvement.

“Gender diversity remains a strategic priority at Etihad Cargo, and we are continually looking for ways to enhance our initiatives and create new opportunities for women within the organisation,” Jacqueline says. “While we have already implemented mentorship and leadership development programmes, we are exploring additional ways to provide opportunities to help more women advance into senior positions.”

 

With 47% of operational roles currently held by women and 50% female representation in management within Northeastern Asia, Etihad Cargo is setting an example for the industry.

Empowering the next generation of women in air cargo

Jacqueline’s own career serves as a testament to the opportunities available to women in the air cargo industry, and she offers this advice to aspiring professionals:

“My advice to women pursuing a career in logistics is to embrace the challenges, seek mentorship, and advocate for themselves. This industry offers incredible opportunities for those who are willing to step forward and take on leadership roles. Surround yourself with mentors and role models who can guide you, build resilience, and never be afraid to push for what you deserve. Most importantly, believe in your own capabilities—your voice and contributions matter, and they will shape the future of air cargo.”

The future of logistics is more diverse than ever, and with companies like Etihad Cargo leading the way, the air cargo industry is proving that gender diversity isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for long-term success.

18 March 2025

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has enhanced its IATA CO2 Connect emissions calculator to account for carbon emissions reductions related to the usage of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

This follows the recent publication of the IATA SAF Accounting & Reporting Methodology which includes specific accounting rules and practices on how to include SAF in per-passenger CO2 data. Initially, CO2 Connect will apply equal per-passenger emission reductions across an airline’s network, meaning that all flights will benefit from an equal (percentage) reduction based on total SAF purchases. In future enhancements, the ability to allocate per-passenger SAF emission reductions to specific routes will be added.

“Corporations and individual travelers want to clearly understand how sustainable their flying is. And, particularly if they have invested in SAF, they want to know what impact it is having. By enhancing CO2 Connect with the IATA SAF Accounting and Reporting Methodology we are providing the transparency and accuracy that individuals and corporates demand,” said Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services.

Growing Number of CO2 Connect Participants

IATA CO2 Connect uses real operational data, such as aircraft type-specific fuel consumption, directly contributed by airlines. This approach contrasts with other calculators that primarily rely on modeled averages. With the recent inclusion of Air India, Air Astana, Air Europa, Amelia, Clic Air, Corsair, Hi Fly, Oman Air, Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas and Royal Air Maroc, some 60 airlines are now contributing data to CO2 Connect. With each new airline participant, the accuracy and transparency of IATA CO2 Connect’s calculations improves—for individual travelers and corporates.

“With the strong support of all our participating airlines and the new ability to accurately account for SAF in the calculation, IATA CO2 Connect is going from strength to strength. It is a powerful tool to support aviation’s decarbonization powered by global standard methodologies and high-quality data,” said Leger.

 

By Rebecca JeffreyRebecca Jeffrey7 March 2025

CMA CGM Air Cargo 777-200F. Photo: CMA CGM

CMA CGM Group plans to develop a new air cargo hub in Chicago and deploy its fleet of Boeing 777 freighters to expand US air cargo capacity and meet airfreight demand in the region.

The plans are part of a $20bn investment initiative in US maritime transportation, logistics and supply chain capabilities over the next four years, said CMA CGM in a press release.

“Anchored by a new hub in Chicago, the Group will deploy five new Boeing 777 freighters, operated by American pilots, to strengthen US trade and connectivity and ensure the reliable transport of critical and time-sensitive goods,” said CMA CGM.

CMA CGM Air Cargo currently operates four freighters; three Boeing 777Fs, plus a single Airbus A330F that is currently parked for maintenance. In the short term, two more 777Fs are expected to be delivered to the airline.

The airline has also ordered eight Airbus A350Fs, although Airbus has recently pushed back the entry-into-service date of its A350F to the second half of 2027.

CMA CGM Air Cargo previously had plans for fewer aircraft, but revised its fleet investment goals following the breakdown of its partnership with Air France KLM.

In addition to investing in airfreight, CMA CGM’s plans include growing the fleet and employees of its US container shipping company American President Lines (APL); developing port infrastructure in key locations across the US, including New York, Los Angeles, Dutch Harbor, Houston, and Miami; developing warehousing and automotive logistics platforms; and opening a new logistics research and development hub in Boston that will focus on advanced robotics and automation solutions.

Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and chief executive of CMA CGM Group, said: ”I am proud to build on our long-standing relationship with the US through this commitment of $20 billion to the country’s maritime future and logistics capabilities.

“Over the next four years, we will significantly grow our US-flagged fleet, expand the capacity of key container ports on both coasts, develop state-of-the-art warehousing across the country, and establish a significant air cargo hub in Chicago.

”This will create 10,000 new American jobs and further strengthen our partnership with American customers and public authorities.”

Rebecca Jeffrey

By Damian BrettDamian Brett11 March 2025

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Air France Cargo

Copyright: Airbus S.A.S. 2021 – computer rendering by FIXION – MMS – 2021

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) has decided to reduce the number of A350 freighter aircraft it has ordered from Airbus in light of production delays and following a fleet portfolio assessment.

The decision will see AFKLMP reduce its A350F order from eight aircraft to six. Three of these aircraft will be operated by Air France and three by KLM subsidiary Martinair.

A spokesperson confirmed a report in CH Aviation and said that following the adjustment, the Franco-Dutch group’s freighter fleet would be maintained at its current level of six aircraft, complemented by the belly capacity of the group’s passenger aircraft.

“Air France-KLM constantly assesses its fleet portfolio to best balance future capital expenditures with commercial and operational efficiency,” a spokesperson for the airline said.

“With this in mind, and in the context of Airbus’s announcement that the Airbus A350F Full Freighter’s entry-into-service would be delayed, the group has decided to adjust its order of the type, from eight to six aircraft Airbus A350F aircraft.

“This confirms the Group’s commitment to operating a mixed cargo model, with a fleet of full freighter aircraft, capable of addressing the diverse needs of its customers,” the spokesperson said.

The A350Fs will replace Air France’s Boeing 777-200F aircraft and KLM/Martinair’s Boeing 747-400F aircraft, whose leases can be extended to ensure the continuity of full-freighter operations.

The order for the two remaining A350Fs will now be replaced by two Airbus A350-900 passenger aircraft.

These A350-900 passenger aircraft will come in addition to the Group’s existing order for 50 A350 aircraft, placed in September 2023.

At present, AFKMP Cargo operates two Boeing 777Fs and four Boeing 747-400Fs.

In February, Airbus announced it would push back the entry-into-service date of its A350 freighter to the second half of 2027, from its earlier expectation of 2026.

The airframer stated that it is facing “specific supply-chain challenges, notably with Spirit AeroSystems”, which are “putting pressure” on ramp-up of A350 production.

 

Last week, the cargo division reported a revenue decline in 2024 but cargo traffic and volumes improved.

Damian Brett

By Fardeen Malbarwala, Director of Galaxy Freight Pvt Ltd

Freyt World Blog: Indian Air Cargo Growth

India’s air cargo industry is on a remarkable growth trajectory, expected to handle 5.8 million tonnes of cargo by 2029. This ambitious forecast highlights the sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic growth and its ability to outperform both global and Asia-Pacific averages. Recent trends show a 19% increase in market performance, driven by the growing demand for efficient, high-speed logistics solutions fueled by domestic consumption, exports, and advancements in infrastructure.

Economic Resilience and E-commerce Expansion

At the heart of this growth is India’s resilient economy, projected to grow by over 6% annually, even amid global economic uncertainties. With the e-commerce market alone expected to reach $350 billion by 2030, the demand for timely and efficient freight solutions has never been greater. India’s dominance in exporting pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods amplifies the importance of air cargo. Pharmaceuticals account for a significant share of temperature-sensitive shipments.

The government has also stepped up efforts to build a robust logistics ecosystem. The National Logistics Policy (NLP), introduced in 2022, aims to reduce logistics costs from 14% of GDP to 8%. Key initiatives, including the PM Gati Shakti program, have driven investments in airport modernization, multi-modal logistics hubs, and technology integration across supply chains.

India’s airport infrastructure is evolving rapidly. Recent expansions in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are complemented by cargo-centric facilities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport established world-class cargo zones, handling 140,000 tonnes of goods in 2024—a 16% year-on-year increase. This trend signifies the decentralization of air cargo operations, enabling faster delivery to remote regions and unlocking economic opportunities nationwide.

Challenges Facing India’s Air Cargo Industry

Despite its strong growth outlook, India’s air cargo industry faces notable challenges. Global inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, such as trade tensions and fluctuating oil prices, introduce elements of unpredictability. These external factors are compounded by domestic hurdles, including congestion at major airports, insufficient cold chain infrastructure, and regulatory inefficiencies that can delay shipment clearances.

Sustainability has become a critical focus for the sector. Global markets demand lower carbon footprints, pressuring Indian carriers to adopt fuel-efficient aircraft and explore renewable energy solutions. Industry leaders are responding. IndiGo, for instance, has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, showing a broader commitment to sustainability.

 

Opportunities for Logistics Professionals and Freight Forwarders

Amid these challenges, India’s air cargo market presents a wealth of opportunities for logistics professionals and freight forwarders. Additionally, the rapid expansion of e-commerce demands seamless digital solutions. For example, real-time cargo tracking and predictive analytics for supply chain optimization are essential. Consequently, these advancements can significantly enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the industry. Investments in cold chain logistics are growing, with the pharmaceutical industry projected to reach $65 billion by 2025. This fuels demand for temperature-controlled freight solutions.

Regional airports, many of which remain underutilized, hold immense potential for transforming India’s air cargo landscape. Pune’s Lohegaon Airport and Coimbatore International are emerging as critical nodes for regional connectivity. They reduce dependence on overcrowded metropolitan hubs. This enables a more balanced distribution of cargo flows.

India’s air cargo industry is shifting, fueled by economic growth, government support, and technological innovation. Volumes are expected to reach 5.8 million tonnes by 2029. The sector is a cornerstone of India’s $5 trillion economy aspirations.

As the market outperforms global benchmarks, logistics professionals must embrace innovation and sustainability. Industry stakeholders must capitalize on India’s growth story now. Shape the future of a sector as dynamic as the nation. The journey ahead has hurdles, but with strong fundamentals and a clear vision, India’s air cargo industry is well-equipped to navigate the skies of opportunity.

5 March 2025     No. 10

Geneva –  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2025 World Cargo Symposium (WCS) will focus on digitalization, sustainability and safety/security as the key issues in helping the global air cargo industry as it adapts to unfolding geopolitical shifts.

“Air cargo demonstrated its resilience in adapting to the post-pandemic world. In 2024, more cargo was transported by air than ever before. But the world is moving at an even faster pace with technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, evolving risks, and changing customer needs. At WCS in Dubai, we’ll collectively take stock of what’s next for air cargo, focusing on digitalization, sustainability, safety/security, and e-commerce. The growing demand for air cargo underscores its critical role,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

WCS is taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 15 to 17 April hosted by Emirates SkyCargo and dnata. It is the second time the WCS is hosted in the United Arab Emirates, with the first in 2017.

“With its strategic location and world-class logistics infrastructure, Dubai is a natural choice for the 2025 IATA World Cargo Symposium. As this year’s host airline, Emirates SkyCargo is set to showcase its expanding capabilities and commitment to driving efficiency, innovation, and connectivity across the air cargo industry. The symposium will be a key platform to shape the future of air cargo and align on the best strategies for growth,” said Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo.

“We’re proud to welcome industry leaders to Dubai, home to our first and largest operations, at a time of incredible growth and transformation in the cargo sector. With safety, innovation and sustainability at the core of our business, the IATA World Cargo Symposium offers an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and explore new solutions. We look forward to connecting with our partners and stakeholders to enhance both operational and environmental efficiency, driving meaningful progress across the industry”, said Clive Sauvé-Hopkins, dnata’s CEO – Airport Operations.

Speakers & Sessions

Walsh along with Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo will be speaking at the event along with:

• Badr Abbas, Division Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo
• Clive Sauve-Hopkins, CEO – Airport Operations, dnata
• Andres Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, LATAM Cargo and IATA Cargo Advisory Council Chair
• Gabriela Hiitola, SVP, Finnair Cargo
• Dr. Ludwig Hausmann, Senior Partner and Leader of the Logistics Sector in Europe, McKinsey & Company
• Tom Owen, Head of Cargo, Cathay Cargo

The symposium will feature plenary sessions, specialized tracks, workshops, and executive summits, addressing:

• Digitalization: The role of AI and automation in the future of air cargo.
• Sustainability: Strategies for decarbonization, reducing single-use plastics and ESG reporting.
• Risk & Resilience: Navigating geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory shifts, and supply chain disruptions.

The WCS program will be complemented by a series of workshops, including:

• Building the next generation of talent at the Future Air Cargo Executives Summit (FACES)
• The benefits of competency-based training through IATA’s Competency-Based Training and Assessment Center (CBTA Center) and how it helps to improve workplace safety and performance.
• Improving performance on key market segments using IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators CEIV programs (CEIV Pharma, CEIV Live Animals, CEIV Lithium Batteries and CEIV Fresh).
• How IATA’s Cargo Solutions are assisting the industry in decision making and cargo compliance, towards improving safety and efficiency.
• The E-Commerce Forum will identify how more visibility between e-retailers and cargo operators would improve efficiency.
• The ULD Forum will focus on ULD Design, opportunities for AI, and how ULDs can collect and report sustainability-related data.

WCS is open to accredited members of the press.

By Rebecca JeffreyRebecca Jeffrey27 February 2025

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shutterstock_1836506008

Source: Shane Hoggatt/Shutterstock

January marked the 18th consecutive month of growth for the air cargo industry, but the rate of improvement continues to decelerate and yields and cargo load factors are down.

Total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometers (CTK), rose by 3.2% compared to January 2024 levels, the latest data from IATA shows. However, growth rates have been decelerating since September.

Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometers (ACTK), increased by 6.8% compared to January 2024. Meanwhile, Cargo Load Factor (CLF) declined to 43.9%, the lowest in 17 months.

“January marked 18 consecutive months of growth for air cargo, but the month’s 3.2% year-on-year growth is a moderation from double-digit peaks in 2024. Similarly, yields, while still above January 2024 levels, saw a 9.9% decline from December as cargo load factors also declined by an average of 1.5 percentage points,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

“While external factors such as trade growth, declining fuel costs and expanding e-commerce remain positive for air cargo, it is important to closely watch the evolution of market conditions at this time. In particular, the wild card is the potential for tariff-driven trade policies from the US Trump Administration. Fortunately, the air cargo industry is well practiced at dealing with shifts in the operating environment.”

Looking at the wider operating environment, IATA noted both economic growth and inflation.

Year on year, industrial production rose 2.6% in December. Global goods trade grew for a ninth consecutive month, reporting a 3.3% increase in December.

The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for global manufacturing output was above the 50-mark for January, indicating growth. At 50.62, this was the highest reading since July 2024, said IATA. The PMI for new export orders rose to 49.37, remaining just shy of the 50-mark, which is the growth threshold.

In January, consumer inflation in the US and in Europe both rose by 0.1 percentage points to 3% and 2.8% respectively. Chinese consumer inflation rebounded to 0.5% in January, after progressively falling to 0.1% in the previous four months.

 

By

Miquel Ros

March 4, 2025, 16:26 (UTC +3)

AviationTurkish Airlines Airbus A350 900

Kevin Hackert / Shutterstock

On March 4, 2025, Turkish Airlines announced its 2024 full year financial results, which show a US$2.4 billion net profit.

Part of these funds will go straight to shareholders, since the airline, which has been buying back its own stock, will pay $260 million in dividends.

The Turkish flag carrier achieved this positive result on a total revenue of US$22.7 billion, up 8.2% over the previous year, for a 10.5% net profit margin.

Taking into account Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortization (EBITDA) and rent, Turkish Airlines’ profit margin climbs to a whopping 25.3%.

Although passenger revenue increased by a mere 4%, the airline’s cargo business saw revenue surge by 35% year on year. Turkish Cargo, the airline’s freight division, operates a fleet of 24 dedicated freighters and has seen its business increase by 20% in 2024, already making it one of the world’s three top air cargo operators.

In 2024, Turkish Airlines also consolidated its absolute global lead when it comes to the number of international destinations, 352, and countries served, 131. What’s more, 2024 saw the addition of several iconic far-flung destinations, such as Santiago de Chile (SCL) and Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL), in Australia.

The carrier’s network is expected to keep growing unabated in 2025. The first quarter of the year has seen already the resumption of flights to Damascus (DAM) and Benghazi (BEN), as well as the announcement of the launch of new services between Istanbul (IST) and Phnom Penh (PNH), Auckland (AKL) and Minneapolis (MSP).

Likewise, capacity is also on the rise. It went up by 8.2% in 2024 as Turkish Airlines expanded its fleet by 12%, to 492 aircraft.

If Turkish Airlines manages to fulfill its long-term plans, the 85.2 million passengers it carried in 2024 may soon be dwarfed, as the carrier prepares to nearly double its fleet to more than 800 aircraft within a decade.

 

Air cargo will lose out with retail Red Sea return

By Rebecca Jeffrey  12 February 2025

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Logistics

Air cargo should expect the loss of some consumer and retail goods volumes when ocean shipping resumes in the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

Milena Milenkovic, regional airfreight manager, Benelux, Flexport said that consumer goods and retail goods that are traditionally transported by ocean but moved to air at the start of the Red Sea crisis will switch back when passage becomes safe and reliable.

Speaking during a Flexport webinar on 10 February, she said: “If the Suez Canal opens I do expect that certain volumes – mainly fast moving consumer goods and retail – will go back to ocean because when the navigation is more reliable in ocean there will be no reason for these companies to ship by air again.”

However, Milenkovic said it’s possible that ocean shipping in its regular form won’t return to the Red Sea this year due to the complexity of the geo-political situation.

“Yes, there is a ceasefire but there is still a lot to be solved (in the region),” she stressed during Flexport’s ‘Scenario Planning: 3 Developments Shaping The Freight Market’ webinar.

Following the start of the Red Sea crisis and rerouting of ships from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope, some shippers and forwarders invested in airfreight capacity in a bid to fulfil orders without delays.

While, there are different schools of thought about how much business Red Sea disruption has generated for the air cargo industry, many agree that sea-air shipment options have been well utilised.

Certain countries such as India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Korea and others “became quite big hubs for sea-air…once the Suez Canal got closed”, said Milenkovic.

She added that the popularity of the model is down to it being “much more economical than air, just a little bit more expensive than ocean”.

Red Sea scenarios

There are several scenarios that could play out with the introduction of shipping back to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, according to Flexport’s research.

 

Guillaume Caill, head of ocean, EMEA, Flexport said the most likely (45% chance) scenario is a “bandwagon” effect where carriers all switch back simultaneously, driven by market leaders signalling confidence, peer pressure and competitive advantage.

“We would see volatility,” Caill said. In the short term a surge in price would be expected, while in the long term there would be more capacity putting pressure on rates.

But carriers could also adopt different strategies and there could be a gradual return to the Suez Canal (30% chance), or the Red Sea could stay closed, although this is unlikely (25% chance), believes Flexport.

Shipping lines have reacted with extreme caution so far and most are in a “wait and see” mode to see how the ceasefire will play out before allowing ships to operate in the Red Sea, said Caill.

If the situation remains stable and carriers do return to the Red Sea “then we will likely see overcapacity kicking in again” with “rates under pressure”, he said.

There will also likely be port congestion with container flow disrupted and “a problem with empty container availability back to Asia”.

In a live poll during the webinar, most participants said Red Sea shipping would likely return in late 2025.

Sanne Manders president, Flexport noted that the time of year will make a difference as to the impact on ocean as the closer to the peak season the more disruption, but stressed we should expect Red Sea shipping to return at some point when the route is safe because it’s a “better product at a lower rate”, compared to shipping through the Cape of Good Hope.

Whether or not there will be more opportunities for airfreight, it’s likely too early to speculate.

 

13 February 2025

Geneva – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and 123Carbon announced a strategic collaboration to develop interoperability between their respective Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) registries. Interoperability will increase transparency, avoid emissions reporting errors—including double issuance—and streamline certificate management across SAF registries.

The collaboration between IATA and 123Carbon will focus on three key elements:

1. A unique identifier and alignment of the relevant data points to exchange between registries.
2. A process for the exchange of information to avoid any potential double issuance.
3. A dispute resolution process.

“User trust is essential. The transparency that comes with interoperability will ensure that our registries can function cohesively to maximize SAF’s potential to support aviation’s decarbonization. The broader the alignment among registry providers, the better. We welcome all entities active in this field to work with IATA and 123Carbon towards global interoperability between all registries,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.

“123Carbon is committed to establishing integrity and trust in the market for Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) within multi-modal transportation (e.g. air, sea, road & rail). With IATA, we have found a strong partner in the aviation sector that shares our beliefs. This collaboration allows SAF providers, airlines, freight forwarders, and corporate entities to utilize our platforms without the concern of double issuance, whilst managing their SAF certificates digitally on our platform,” said Jeroen van Heiningen, Managing Director, 123Carbon.

IATA and 123Carbon will seek engagement with other SAF stakeholders to join this initiative to deepen the interaction between registries.

About the IATA SAF Registry

The IATA SAF Registry will launch in April 2025 with the aim to facilitate the broadest possible use of SAF in aviation’s decarbonization by standardizing the market for SAF certificates. SAF certificates are issued after a SAF batch is registered and contains product and environmental attribute information. As part of its preparation for the Registry’s launch, IATA recently released the IATA SAF Accounting and Reporting Methodology.

 

The development of the IATA SAF Registry is supported by over 50 organizations, including airlines, fuel producers, and State authorities. In developing the IATA SAF Registry, IATA is also consulting with a broad range of SAF stakeholders, including 123Carbon.

About 123Carbon

With over 50 global users, 123Carbon is the first independent platform for carbon insetting across all transport modes. It supports fuel suppliers, fleet operators, forwarders and cargo owners in the issuance, management and transfer of Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs) across all modalities and all technologies, including SAF. Next to the central registry, 123Carbon also offers a private Book & Claim solution that SAF suppliers and airlines can use to allocate company-branded SAF certificates to their customers in a private environment. This is also regarded as a critical instrument for forwarders that operate across different transport modes and are seeking a single solution to allocate their environmental benefits.