The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will be trialling a CO2 emissions calculation tool developed for cargo flights together with Etihad Airways.

Etihad noted that the trial will provide valuable proof of concept for the cargo component of the IATA CO2 Connect carbon calculator as shippers, forwarders, investors and regulators all seek reliable data calculations to effectively manage and report on sustainability progress.

IATA has been providing IATA CO2 Connect for passenger flights since June this year, with actual fuel burn data of 57 aircraft types representing 98% of the active global passenger fleet.

Etihad noted that using airline-specific data on fuel burn and load factors, is the most accurate in the market.

"Calculating the carbon impact of cargo shipments has more challenging parameters, not least of which is the unpredictability of routing at the time of booking an air cargo shipment that can often include non-air segments," the statement said.

"In addition, cargo can be carried on both dedicated freighter aircraft and in the bellies of passenger aircraft. To achieve equal levels of accuracy to the passenger calculator, it is essential to collect actual data on fuel burn, load factors and other key variables in trials," it added.

The announcement noted that IATA will be working with Etihad Cargo to track the necessary data for cargo shipments during a three-month trial.

Etihad will then be sharing data from flights and advising on various use cases to achieve the highest levels of accuracy, consistency and transparency.

2023 launch of CO2 Connect for Cargo

By mid-2023 IATA aims to launch CO2 Connect for Cargo providing the industry with precise and consistent methodologies for both passenger and cargo operations.

"Etihad Cargo actively seeks out and facilitates the development, trials and launch of promising solutions for its customers and partners. The airline's development with IATA demonstrates the ability and willingness to co-create solutions to support Etihad Cargo's journey to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and demonstrates the carrier's agility in adopting state-of-the-art technology and digital solutions," said Martin Drew, senior vice president Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group.

Drew added that IATA's CO2 Connect carbon calculator will be an effective tool in making the transportation of cargo more sustainable.

For his part, Frederic Leger, IATA’s senior vice president for Commercial Products & Services, noted that the entire supply chain needs accurate information to be able to manage its emissions.

"Aviation will achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. And our customers—travellers and shippers — need accurate information on the emissions ... For all these purposes, accurate data is critical," he said.

"IATA CO2 Connect already provides this for passenger operations. This trial with Etihad will help us in bringing an industry-leading carbon calculator for cargo in the coming months."