The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has announced the launch of the BlueSky program, the industry's first sustainability assessment, validation, and verification program in response to the air cargo industry's call for an industry-specific tool to measure and recognize their sustainability progress.
TIACA noted that the "BlueSky Program" is a tool that the air cargo industry can use to track their sustainability progress, benchmark against peers, and accelerate the industry's transformation.
"The BlueSky Program aims to benefit not just the individual companies, but future partners and the air cargo industry at large by providing a common vision, transparency, and a mechanism to demonstrate how businesses can grow responsibly as well as an improved image of the air cargo industry," TIACA said.
The program, to be launched in phases, is a multi-tiered platform that renews every two years.
TIACA noted that the program includes 1) Assessment Guidelines – a way for companies to begin their verification and validation through awareness and self-assessment; 2) Desktop Verification – the second tier, which begins with an online assessment and verification of the documents provided then a performance score in each area will be provided through a company dashboard.
The third tier is 3) Onsite Validation which includes the desktop verification and an onsite independent audit.
TIACA said a performance score in each area as well as an excellence badge, a detailed report with recommendations on how to become more sustainable will be provided through an enhanced company dashboard.
"We are excited to launch this new initiative that will allow companies to assess their sustainability initiatives and then have them verified and validated," said Steven Polmans, TIACA chair.
"The impact that this program will have on the industry is profound, by bringing transparency and collaboration on such a vital topic 'Sustainability,' we will see the industry develop into one that is truly focused on People, Planet and Prosperity," he added.
