The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) last week announced its launch customers for the industry’s first multi-sector sustainability verification programme.
The TIACA BlueSky programme is open to the entire industry, not just TIACA members, and is now ready to launch live operations with the first wave of participants coming from the airline, airport, freight forwarder, ground handler and GSSA sectors.
The launch participants include Schiphol airport, Astral Aviation, Brussels Airport, Cargo Handling International or CHI, Edmonton International Airport, Etihad Cargo, Flexport, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited or Hactl, Strike Aviation and Swissport.
Phase 1 of the program is an evidence-based desktop verification process designed to assess the applicants’ progress against a number of critical sustainability criteria. The eight areas of assessment will include decarbonization, waste elimination, biodiversity protection, support for local economies and communities, impact on society improvement (lives and well-being), efficiency and profitability (digitalization), employee engagement, retention and development, as well as partnership building.
According to TIACA, “the assessment process is tailored to each industry sector to ensure peer assessments and progress tracking provide maximized value. Upon completion of the assessment by an independent organization the participants receive a personalized dashboard highlighting where they currently are against the assessed criteria. 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.”
