Decarbonising aviation

0
123


With sustainability in the spotlight within the aviation industry, Flexport is working to empower organisations to navigate towards their green mission. Through a comprehensive suite of climate and technology solutions, companies have the potential for increased efficiency, reduced costs and a more environmentally-friendly future.

In alignment with this, an alliance has been forged with CHOOOSE, a leading Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that aids businesses in seamlessly incorporating climate action into the fabric of their customer experience.

“This collaborative initiative is geared towards accelerating the decarbonisation of airfreight, and at its core lies the provision of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates to all Flexport customers,” David Hume, Head of Climate Programs at Flexport.org, said. “This strategic offering has been seamlessly woven into the Flexport user experience within the Flexport platform, ensuring a smooth integration that enhances overall usability.

“By making SAF certificates readily available, this partnership not only reflects a commitment to sustainable practices but also aims to significantly contribute to the broader environmental goals of the organisations involved,” he continued. “Together, Flexport.org and CHOOOSE are pioneering a transformative approach to sustainable logistics, ensuring that the transition towards a greener future is not only feasible but also an integral part of the business landscape.” 

READ: American Airlines Cargo reduces long-term plastic waste

Changing traditions

SAF offers an alternative to traditional jet fuel, representing the most effective tool currently available for the decarbonisation of air transport. This strategic partnership aims to democratise access to SAF by leveraging the book and claim chain-of-custody model. Through this model, Flexport customers gain the ability to significantly reduce emissions associated with airfreight shipments on any trade lane and with any carrier.

“Recognised as a pivotal avenue for the short-term decarbonisation of aviation, SAF can have lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions that are approximately one-fifth of those emitted by conventional petroleum-based jet fuels,” Hume outlined. 

“Elevating the adoption of SAF is crucial to advancing decarbonisation initiatives within the airfreight industry. By emphasising SAF utilisation, this collaboration takes a proactive stance in driving sustainable practices, laying a foundation for a greener and more environmentally responsible future in air transportation,” he added.

In the pursuit of decarbonising the aviation industry through SAF investments, companies are adopting diverse strategies to curtail emissions in freight transportation. This includes embracing modality shifts, consolidations, and incorporating emissions considerations on an equal footing with cost and transit time in decision-making processes. Businesses are showcasing creative thinking to achieve their emissions reduction objectives.

“Beyond adhering to regulatory requirements, there is a collective effort within the freight industry to surpass mandated standards for decarbonisation, part and parcel to the concept of additionality,” Hume said. “A notable example is the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), a pioneering buyers group in the maritime sector with a mission to expedite the commercial deployment of zero-emission (ZE) shipping. Flexport stands out as an early adopter and collaborator with ZEMBA, reflecting a proactive commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the industry.”

READ: Flexport.org and CHOOOSE partner to launch global aviation decarbonisation solution

Techs role in the transition

The significance of digital innovation in facilitating the accessibility of sustainable solutions cannot be overstated, and to address this need, Flexport has introduced the Sustainability Dashboard. This tool is designed to enhance access to emissions tools and reports, enabling users to easily monitor their progress towards decarbonisation goals.

“In the context of our latest announcement, a standout feature of Flexport’s offering lies in the seamless in-app experience provided to customers for the acquisition of low-carbon fuel certificates and the reduction of their scope three footprint,” Hume explained. 

“What sets Flexport apart is the user-friendly interface embedded within the platform, allowing customers to effortlessly purchase SAF or marine biofuel certificates. This streamlined process eliminates the need for customers to navigate a complex procedure with an external provider,” he stated. “This integration ensures a smooth and efficient experience for Flexport customers seeking to make environmentally conscious choices within the platform.”