Net Zero

Net Zero is an environmental commitment whereby an organization balances all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere or offset through verified carbon reduction projects, resulting in a net carbon footprint of zero. At the 77th IATA Annual General Meeting in Boston, USA, on 4 October 2021, a resolution was passed by IATA member airlines committing them to achieving net-zero carbon emissions from their operations by 2050. As critical stakeholders in the industry's effort to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, shippers, freight forwarders, and solution providers across the air cargo industry need accurate CO2 emissions data to ensure better decision making and reporting compliance. Achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 will require a combination of maximum elimination of emissions at the source, offsetting and carbon capture technologies.

A Lufthansa Cargo shipment under AWB 020-87654321 from Frankfurt (FRA) to Los Angeles (LAX) generates 2,450 kg of CO2 emissions based on IATA RP1678 methodology. To offset these emissions toward net zero goals, the shipper purchases verified carbon credits equivalent to 2,450 kg CO2 from certified reforestation projects. A FedEx Express freighter flight using AWB 023-11223344 from Memphis (MEM) to Shanghai (PVG) reduces its carbon footprint by 65% through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage, with remaining emissions offset through direct air capture technology to achieve net zero status for that shipment.

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How are Net Zero emissions calculated for air cargo shipments?

The IATA/ICAO Recommended Practice 1678 provides accurate calculation and transparency to understand the air cargo carbon footprint at the shipment level. Apply the ICAO CORSIA CO2 emissions factor for jet kerosene (3.16). Airlines use actual fuel consumption data, aircraft-specific load factors, and multiply shipment weight by emission factors to calculate total CO2 emissions per Air Waybill (AWB), which must then be offset to achieve net zero status.

What percentage of Net Zero aviation emissions reduction will come from Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2050?

We estimate that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could contribute around 65% of the reduction in emissions needed by aviation to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Regardless of progress in new aircraft technologies between now and 2050, SAF is expected to be the primary contributor to the decarbonization of the airline industry, in line with the Net Zero 2050 commitment.