The path to net-zero emissions in air cargo hinges on collaboration among airlines, airports, fuel suppliers and technology firms, reports Mumbai's STAT Trade Times.

Alexander Kueper of Neste said no company can decarbonise alone, as stakeholders increasingly unite to tackle emissions. Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is leading innovation as Canada's first airport-based hydrogen hub, piloting hydrogen-powered vehicles and joining the H2CanFly consortium.

Marion Chivot-Legris of YEG said partnerships and data-driven strategies are central to its climate roadmap, with support from the Canadian government and collaboration with Airbus and CAE to advance hydrogen aviation.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is also gaining traction. Avianca Cargo, The Queen's Flowers and Repsol completed South America's first SAF Book & Claim operation, while DB Schenker and Mercedes-Benz purchased 13,000 tonnes of SAF to cut 40,000 tonnes of CO2.

Cargolux, AIT Worldwide Logistics and Microsoft launched a three-year SAF partnership targeting 66,000 tonnes of CO2 savings. Finnair Cargo's Anna-Maria Kirchner stressed that full aircraft loads and route optimisation are key to sustainable operations.

DHL Express and Avia Solutions Group achieved a 12.61 per cent emissions cut using SAF. Neste plans to expand SAF production at its Rotterdam refinery to 2.2 million tonnes by 2027, and Amazon Air will use 7,500 tonnes at two US airports.

Cargolux chief Richard Forson said nuclear power may be vital for SAF production, citing investments by Microsoft and Google. He called for broader collaboration and new technologies to scale SAF sustainably.

Boeing forecasts four per cent annual growth in air cargo through 2043, with freighters handling over half of traffic. Rapidly expanding corridors in Asia and Africa present both opportunities and sustainability challenges.