Air cargo’s top 3 tech trends of 2019

#2 Smart, sustainable operations

Adjacent to global youth climate protests and Time Magazine naming of Greta Thunberg its “Person of the Year,” air cargo and logistics stakeholders worked to instill smarter and more sustainable designs across their operations in support of the green movement.

Several European operators are moving to reduce their carbon footprint and in December leading European carriers called on European Union policymakers streamline regulations in support of environmental efforts, but the green logistics movement is also gaining global traction.

In September, Amazon placed an order for 100,000 electric delivery vehicles while also announcing its new Climate Pledge, aiming to meet the Paris Agreement 10 years ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, Kuwait-based Agility Ventures announced an $18 million investment in technologies to make its supply chain more energy-efficient, and DB Schenker opened a massive, solar-powered logistics and distribution center near Dubai World Central International Airport (DWC).

Airports are also improving environmental sustainability practices and technology in airport operations. International airports Frankfurt (FRA), Hong Kong (HKG) and Los Angeles (LAX) have invested in planet-friendly projects ranging from local sustainability projects to coastal dune and forest restoration. Fraport AG at FRA is developing a “smart air cargo trailer” (SAT) to reduce carbon emissions, and Zhengzhou Airport (CGO) is exploring cooperation with sustainable fuel businesses.