The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has announced the launch of customers for the air cargo industry's first multi-sector sustainability verification program.

TIACA noted that following the announcement of the launch of the BlueSky Program at the March Executive Summit, a successful pilot program was run with airline and ground handling companies. 

"The TIACA BlueSky program, open to the entire industry, not just TIACA members, is now ready to launch live operations with the first wave of participants representing organizations from the airline, airport, freight forwarder, ground handler and GSSA sectors," the announcement said.

Launch partners announced

TIACA said the launch participants for the programme include Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Astral Aviation, Brussels Airport, CHI (Cargo Handling International), Edmonton International Airport, Etihad Cargo, Flexport, HACTL (Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited), Strike Aviation, and Swissport.

"We are very pleased to see such strong launch support from some world-class innovative organizations. This program will enable all participants to assess where they are on their sustainability transformation journey which will collectively demonstrate the leadership of the air cargo industry in tackling this important topic," said Steven Polmans, TIACA chair.

Phase one of the programme is an evidence-based desktop verification process designed to assess the applicants' progress against a number of critical sustainability criteria.

The assessment process is tailored to each industry sector to ensure peer assessments and progress tracking provide maximised value.

Upon completion of the assessment by an independent organisation the participants receive a personalised dashboard highlighting where they currently are against the assessed criteria. 

TIACA noted that a subsequent phase will include a full onsite audit option with an in-depth report describing areas of improvement.

"Sustainability is an increasingly important topic for businesses globally and as an industry which connects the world, it is critical that we all have strategic plans in place to ensure our sustainability credentials are demonstrated in an evidenced and neutral fashion," said Glyn Hughes, TIACA director-general.

"The TIACA BlueSky program aims to provide that solution. We are excited to see the program launch and invite all industry stakeholders to take a look," Hughes added.

The BlueSky Program is a tool that the entire air cargo industry can use to track their sustainability progress, benchmark against peers and accelerate the industry transformation.