Together with Etihad Airways, the International Air Transport Association will test a CO2 emissions assessment tool specially created for cargo flights. The whole value chain, including shippers, forwarders, investors, and regulators, as well as customers, are looking for accurate and trustworthy data estimates in order to manage and report on sustainability progress efficiently. 

The cargo component of the Iata CO2 Connect carbon calculator will receive important proof of concept from this study. With current fuel burn data for 57 aircraft types or 98% of the active global passenger fleet, the association has successfully provided Iata CO2 Connect for passenger flights since June. It is the most accurate product on the market since it uses data on fuel use and load variables particular to airlines.

The unpredictability of the route at the time of booking an air cargo shipment, which frequently includes non-air portions, is one of the most difficult factors to account for when calculating the carbon footprint of cargo shipments. Furthermore, cargo can be transported on both specific freighter aircraft and in the hold of passenger planes. It is crucial to gather accurate data during trials on fuel consumption, load factors, and other crucial variables in order to attain accuracy levels comparable to the passenger calculator. During a three-month pilot, Iata will collaborate with Etihad Cargo to track the necessary information for cargo shipments. To attain the highest levels of accuracy, consistency, and transparency, Etihad will share data from flights and offer advice on particular circumstances.

By mid-2023 Iata aims to launch CO2 Connect for Cargo

Iata plans to introduce CO2 Connect for Cargo by the middle of 2023, giving the industry exact and standardised methodology for both passenger and cargo operations.

According to Martin Drew – Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group, Etihad Cargo actively seeks out and supports the creation, testing, and Implementation of novel solutions. The airline’s collaboration with Iata shows that it is nimble in embracing cutting-edge technology and digital solutions. It also shows that it is eager to co-create solutions to help Etihad Cargo’s drive toward nett zero carbon emissions by 2050 for the benefit of its customers and partners. Iata’s CO2 Connect carbon calculator will be a useful tool in making cargo transportation more sustainable in the future, helping not only Etihad Cargo’s clients but also the broader air cargo sector.

Aviation will achieve nett zero carbon emissions by 2050

This study with Etihad will aid us in developing an industry-leading cargo carbon calculator in the coming months. According to an association statement, Iata CO2 Connect is the most precise instrument available for calculating aviation emissions in passenger operations. It employs airline-specific and real fuel consumption data, as well as load factors. This distinguishes it from theoretical data models. Companies within and outside the travel supply chain, such as travel management companies, travel agents, airlines, and international enterprises, can use Iata CO2 Connect. They may have access to the necessary CO2 emissions data and integrate it into their existing flight booking systems in a personalised way. The CO2 emissions per route are clearly visible to travel managers and travellers. The program also allows for data unification for reporting reasons.

Iata CO2 Connect makes use of the newly created CO2 Calculation Methodology, which was accepted by Iata’s Passenger Service Conference in March of this year. This was developed in collaboration with key partners from 20 airlines and major aircraft manufacturers, as well as worldwide standard-setting bodies and logistical service providers.