In an ambitious move to transform the aviation industry towards more sustainable practices, Avelia, a blockchain-based platform developed by Shell and Accenture in partnership with Amex Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), has extended its services to include the air freight sector. The primary aim of this initiative is to boost the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which could play a significant role in reducing aircraft CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. This remarkable reduction in emissions is vital for decreasing the amount of atmospheric pollutants globally.
The problem of emissions associated with air freight was already a pressing issue back in 2018, when air freight accounted for nearly 20% of all aviation emissions. Fast forward to 2023, and the situation has only escalated, with air cargo flight numbers increasing by 25%, thus emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions. Avelia’s integration of SAF into supply chains offers a promising method to significantly reduce emissions linked to the air transport sector.
The Role of Blockchain in Avelia’s Platform
Ensuring Transparency and Traceability
Avelia operates as a blockchain-based reservation platform for purchasing SAF, ensuring that environmental data remains transparent and traceable. Since its inception, Avelia has delivered over 18 million gallons of SAF, which has resulted in the avoidance of more than 165,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions from business travel. This system fosters collaboration between physical SAF users and other entities aiming to meet their sustainability goals, directly addressing the often prohibitive costs of SAF by making it more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.
This transparency and traceability have proven essential in building trust among stakeholders. By providing verifiable and immutable data regarding the origin, production, and carbon offset potential of SAF, Avelia ensures that all parties involved can accurately report emissions reductions. This level of reliability and accountability supports companies striving to meet stringent environmental regulations and corporate sustainability mandates.
Addressing the Cost Challenges
One of the critical hurdles in widespread SAF adoption has been the high cost associated with its production and procurement. Avelia’s platform effectively mitigates this issue by spreading the costs among a larger base of buyers, thus making SAF more accessible. By integrating SAF opportunities into existing corporate travel and logistics programs, companies can showcase their commitment to environmental sustainability without bearing the financial burden alone. This collaborative cost-sharing model has paved the way for more businesses to participate in sustainable aviation initiatives.
Moreover, by bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders—from corporations purchasing SAF for travel purposes to airlines seeking to reduce their carbon footprint—Avelia creates a financially viable ecosystem for sustainable aviation fuel. This synergetic approach not only helps in uniform cost distribution but also amplifies the overall impact of SAF in reducing aviation emissions.
Avelia Air Freight Solutions
Extending Environmental Attributes
Avelia’s recent introduction, Avelia Air Freight Solutions, empowers freight forwarders to assign the environmental attributes of SAF to their shipping customers. This capability significantly enhances transparency in emissions reporting and promotes the broader adoption of SAF across the aviation industry. This innovative initiative encourages more stakeholders within the aviation sector to invest in decarbonization efforts, understanding the tangible benefits of doing so both for the environment and their corporate reputation.
The initiative facilitates a seamless integration of SAF into air freight operations, enabling freight companies to align their environmental goals with actual business practices. By offering clear, quantifiable data on emissions reductions, freight forwarders can provide clients with a stronger value proposition and simultaneously meet regulatory requirements. This detailed emissions reporting could become a standard part of freight contracts, setting new benchmarks for industry-wide sustainability.
Support from Major Corporations and Airlines
Avelia’s vision for a sustainable aviation future has garnered support from several major corporations and airlines, including Google, Delta Air Lines, and Bank of America. The platform’s customizable solutions enable freight forwarders to seamlessly integrate SAF options into their existing programs or offer these options directly to their clients. Operating in 13 global airport locations and partnering with over 35 airlines and corporations, Avelia has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in driving the sustainable transformation of aviation logistics.
These collaborations underline the critical role of major industry players in shaping sustainable practices. Through its partnerships, Avelia not only broadens the reach of SAF but also demonstrates that large-scale adoption is feasible and beneficial. This collective commitment ensures that the aviation sector can make substantial progress towards reducing its carbon footprint.
Collaboration and Industry Impact
Corporate Partnerships and Impact
The broader aviation value chain’s collaboration is essential for scaling SAF adoption, as underscored by Shell Aviation. Avelia exemplifies this collaboration by connecting corporate travel and freight demand with SAF supply chains to advance sustainability. Amex GBT has highlighted the platform’s growth as clear evidence of corporate travel’s pivotal role in scaling sustainable technologies to address air travel emissions.
Prominent adopters of Avelia’s platform, such as Rolls-Royce and Aon, reflect its substantial impact across the industry. These partnerships underline the pivotal role that trusted, reliable players in the market can have in advocating for and implementing sustainable solutions. They also demonstrate the efficacy of blending innovative technology with collaborative efforts to foster significant industry-wide change.
Future of Aviation Sustainability
In a bold move to revolutionize the aviation industry with more sustainable practices, Avelia, a blockchain-powered platform created by Shell and Accenture with help from Amex Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), is now extending its services to the air freight sector. This initiative primarily seeks to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has the potential to cut aircraft CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. Such a considerable decrease in emissions is crucial for lowering global atmospheric pollutants.
Emission issues related to air freight were already a significant concern in 2018 when this sector contributed almost 20% of all aviation emissions. By 2023, the problem has worsened, with a 25% rise in air cargo flight numbers, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable solutions. Avelia’s incorporation of SAF into supply chains presents a promising approach to drastically cut emissions associated with the air transport sector.
