Air cargo operations are an essential component of global trade, ensuring the rapid transport of goods across continents. However, the environmental impact of these operations is significant and the air cargo industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. From emissions generated by aircraft to the energy-intensive logistics processes on the ground, sustainability challenges are multifaceted. In response, many major airports are pioneering green initiatives to reduce their environmental impact.
Here we examine the environmental implications of air cargo, discuss the sustainable measures airports are adopting and highlight three examples of airports greening the apron.
The aviation industry is said to account for around 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, with air cargo contributing a significant share due to the reliance on fuel-heavy cargo aircraft. This is further compounded by the high energy demands of maintaining temperature-sensitive cargo. Aircraft engines and ground handling equipment generate significant noise, affecting communities around airports.
In addition to air emissions, land-based operations contribute to air and water pollution. The use of diesel-powered ground support equipment (GSE), inefficient waste management, and the waste of hazardous materials further exacerbate the environmental toll. Warehousing and refrigeration facilities for air cargo often depend on non-renewable energy sources, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable practices
To meet these challenges, airports are implementing a range of initiatives to improve sustainability, particularly on the apron – the operational area where aircraft are parked, loaded and refuelled. These practices focus on improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy.
Three airports serve as examples of Airports Greening the Apron.
The first is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Netherlands). This Northwest European airport is a leader in sustainability and has taken bold steps to green its apron. The airport has replaced a significant portion of its traditional diesel-powered GSE with electric alternatives, including baggage tractors, pushback tugs and conveyor belts. These electric vehicles 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 eco-friendly. Schiphol has worked with airlines to test and implement systems that enable aircraft to taxi to and from runways using electric towing 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 an emphasis on clean energy and reducing emissions. The airport has installed Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) units and Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) systems at all aircraft gates. These systems allow aircraft to turn off auxiliary power units (APUs) while parked, reducing fuel burn and emissions on the apron.
LAX has partnered with airlines and fuel suppliers to increase the use of SAF, which reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. Although not directly linked to the apron, SAF adoption complements the airport’s green apron initiatives by reducing the overall environmental impact of air cargo.
It has set ambitious targets to switch all GSE 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 world’s busiest air cargo hubs and has adopted green technologies to minimize its environmental footprint. HKIA has deployed a fleet of autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) to transport cargo between warehouses and aircraft, to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency.
The airport has replaced conventional high-intensity discharge (HID) lights with energy-efficient LED apron lighting systems. This initiative not only reduces energy consumption but also provides better lighting for night operations. HKIA has implemented advanced water recycling systems to treat and reuse water used in ground operations, such as aircraft washing and cooling processes, thereby conserving precious resources.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of air cargo operations is a pressing concern, but major airports worldwide show that sustainability and efficiency can coexist. Through electrification of ground equipment, adoption of renewable energy and innovative water and waste management systems, airports are greening the apron and leading the charge towards a more sustainable future. Schiphol, LAX and HKIA are just three examples of how proactive measures can transform air cargo operations, benefiting both the industry and the planet. By scaling such initiatives and fostering global cooperation, the aviation sector can significantly reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to global sustainability goals.
