Air cargo operations are an essential component of global trade, ensuring the rapid transportation of goods across continents. However, the environmental impact of these operations is significant and the airfreight industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. From emissions generated by aircraft to the energy-intensive logistics processes on the ground, sustainability challenges are multifaceted. In response, many major airports are pioneering green initiatives to minimise their environmental impact.
Here, we explore the environmental implications of airfreight, discuss the sustainable measures airports are adopting and highlight three examples of airports greening the apron.
It is said that the aviation industry accounts for approximately 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, with air cargo contributing a substantial portion due to the reliance on fuel-heavy freighter aircraft. This is further exacerbated by the high energy demands of maintaining temperature-sensitive cargo. Aircraft engines and ground handling equipment generate significant noise, affecting communities around airports.
Beyond airborne emissions, ground-based operations contribute to air and water pollution. The use of diesel-powered ground support equipment (GSE), inefficient waste management, and the spillage of hazardous materials further compound the environmental toll. Warehousing and refrigeration facilities for airfreight often depend on non-renewable energy sources, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable practices
To address these challenges, airports are implementing a range of initiatives to enhance sustainability, particularly on the apron—the operational area where aircraft are parked, loaded and refuelled. These practices focus on improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and promoting the use of renewable energy.
Three airports serve as examples of Airports Greening the Apron.
The first is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (Netherlands). This north-western European airport is a frontrunner in sustainability and has taken bold steps to green its apron. The airport has replaced a significant portion of its traditional diesel-powered GSE with electric alternatives, including baggage tractors, pushback tugs and conveyor belts. These electric vehicles reduce local air pollution and operational noise.
Schiphol has installed solar panels across its facilities to power the eGSE fleet and other airport systems. The integration of renewable energy ensures that ground operations remain eco-friendly. Schiphol has partnered with airlines to test and implement systems that allow aircraft to taxi to and from runways using electric tow vehicles instead of jet engines, significantly reducing fuel consumption.
In the United States, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a leader in sustainable airport practices in North America, emphasising clean energy and emissions reduction. The airport has installed Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) units and Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) systems at all aircraft gates. These systems allow aircraft to shut down auxiliary power units (APUs) while parked, reducing fuel burn and emissions on the apron.
LAX has collaborated with airlines and fuel suppliers to increase the use of SAF, which reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. While not directly linked to the apron, SAF adoption complements the airport’s green apron initiatives by reducing the overall environmental impact of airfreight.
It has set ambitious targets to transition all GSE operating at the airport to zero-emission alternatives by 2031, with several operators already making significant progress.
In Asia, Hong Kong International Airport is one of the world’s busiest air cargo hubs and has embraced green technologies to minimise its environmental footprint. HKIA has deployed a fleet of autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) to transport cargo between warehouses and aircraft, reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency.
The airport has replaced conventional high-intensity discharge (HID) lights with energy-efficient LED lighting systems on the apron. This initiative not only reduces energy consumption but also provides better illumination for night-time operations. HKIA has implemented advanced water recycling systems to treat and reuse water used in ground operations, such as aircraft washing and cooling processes, thus conserving precious resources.
Environmental impact
The environmental impact of airfreight operations is a pressing concern, but major airports worldwide are demonstrating that sustainability and efficiency can co-exist. Through electrification of ground equipment, renewable energy adoption and innovative water and waste management systems, airports are greening the apron and leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. Schiphol, LAX and HKIA are just three examples of how proactive measures can transform air cargo operations, benefiting both the industry and the planet. By scaling such initiatives and fostering global co-operation, the aviation sector can significantly reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to global sustainability goals.
