The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has begun the next experimental phase of its BlueSky sustainability assessment, validation, and verification program, which it recently launched.

The latest phase's trial, dubbed desktop verification, is an online evaluation of a company's sustainability credentials that will be used to provide a performance score on a customized web dashboard.

Astral Aviation, CSC India, and Swissport are taking part in the pilot phase of the desktop verification module according to TIACA.

"The launch and release of the BlueSky Assessment Guidelines was the first step on this journey. We expect the participants of the Pilot to be given clear insight into where their companies stand in creating a sustainable future," said Glyn Hughes, TIACA Director-General.

"We will then commence the next phase of our journey by launching the BlueSky Desktop Verification for the entire industry followed by the Onsite Validation module early next year," he added.

TIACA said in the announcement that the pilot participants are expected to complete the desktop verification over the next several weeks.

"Participants have already had a preparatory call with the validator and are currently completing the questionnaire and compiling submission documents," it added. "Once the questionnaire and evidence are submitted a formal assessment will begin and participants will have individual briefings to discuss their results and personalised dashboards."

Steven Polmans, TIACA chairman, said the pilot phase of the desktop verification is the "beginning of real change" and it will ultimately allow companies to assess and verify the progress of their own Sustainability Journey.

The BlueSky Programme, launched by TIACA last March is a tool that the air cargo industry can use to track its sustainability progress, benchmark against peers, and accelerate the industry's transformation.