Air Freight Decarbonization: The Role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Book and Claim
Rising Air Freight Emissions and the Need for Action
Air freight emissions have seen a significant surge since 2019, with a 25% increase, according to a 2024 analysis by environmental advocacy organization Stand.Earth. This increase, driven by the expansion of cargo-only fleets and soaring demand for rapid delivery, has resulted in nearly 94 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from air freight alone.
The Promise of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
SAF, when used neat or blended, can reduce the life cycle of greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by as much as 80% compared to conventional fuel. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that SAF could account for as much as 65% of total emission reduction. Christoph Wolff, CEO of the Smart Freight Centre, believes SAF is the main pathway to decarbonization across both freight and the wider aviation ecosystem.
SAF Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its potential, SAF faces challenges, including high costs and limited availability. However, initiatives like Shell's Avelia, a blockchain-powered digital SAF book and claim solution, are aiming to bridge the gap between concentrated SAF supply and global demand.
The Role of Book and Claim in Decarbonization
Book and claim, a chain of custody model, enables airlines and corporations to access the life cycle GHG emissions reduction benefits of SAF relative to conventional jet fuel, even when SAF is not physically available at their location. This model is essential for achieving science-based targets, as pointed out by Bettina Paschke, vice president of ESG accounting, reporting, and controlling at DHL Express.
Implications for North East India and India at Large
As a major hub for trade and commerce, the North East region of India is closely tied to air freight. Reducing the carbon footprint of air freight will contribute to the region's efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. Moreover, India, with its rapidly growing economy and increasing air freight demand, stands to benefit significantly from the widespread adoption of SAF and book and claim.
The Path Forward: Collaboration and Standardization
Scaling up SAF via book and claim requires a coordinated ecosystem play, including early adopters, solution providers, industry associations, and stakeholders working together to drive joint advocacy and create the necessary frameworks, educational resources, and industry alignment. An active book and claim community is driving this work forward, with a common goal to develop greater standardization and consensus.
Conclusion
The decarbonization of air freight is a critical step towards addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. Initiatives like SAF and book and claim offer promising solutions, but their widespread adoption requires collaboration, standardization, and action from all stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem. As pressure to accelerate decarbonization grows, it is crucial that air freight operators in North East India and across India seize this opportunity and take action now.