ONE Record: A launchpad for sustainability in air cargo

The air cargo industry is on the brink of a digital revolution - one that enhances efficiency but also drives sustainability. By 2026, ONE Record will become the new standard, transforming how data is shared and utilized across the supply chain. IATA's initiative is set to unify fragmented data silos, enabling unprecedented interoperability, cost reductions, closer collaboration, and improved supply chain visibility.

The aviation sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, with annual CO2 emissions reaching 800 million tonnes. Integrating sustainability into ONE Record is essential for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. While IATA RP 1678 facilitates tracking CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, prioritizing sustainability from the outset is crucial for successfully implementing and accelerating progress toward these goals.

Data availability is a key challenge in emissions tracking. While post-flight data is accurate, it's often unavailable for pre-flight planning. ONE Record addresses this by marking pre-flight CO2 estimates, helping cargo agents and shippers consider emissions in booking decisions. These estimates, based on historical averages, offer reliable references despite weather and air traffic variations.

IATA RP 1678 standardizes CO2 emissions calculations with two methods:

1. Leg-based CO₂ emission calculations: This method calculates net average emissions per kilogram of cargo for specific legs or city pairs based on aircraft type and weight.
2. Network-based CO₂ emission calculations: This approach considers multiple flight legs, aircraft types, and routing hubs to estimate total emissions per kilogram of cargo per kilometer over a defined network.

This dual approach meets diverse stakeholder needs. Shippers may prefer the leg-based method for shipment-specific data, while airlines benefit from network-based reporting for fleet-wide sustainability strategies. IATA also provides guidelines for integrating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and CO2 offsets into emissions reduction plans.

Maintaining a single, standardized CO₂ emissions record provides several advantages:

• Accuracy ONE Record enhances CO2 emissions calculation precisionand ensures access to reliable information.
• Load and route optimization Accurate data allows freight forwarders to select shorter or more fuel-efficient routes and consolidate loads to reduce emissions per ton/km.
• Tracking sustainability goals ONE Record provides a standardized data source, enabling airlines, logistics providers, regulators, and customers to track and optimize emissions reduction strategies.
• Regulatory compliance and reporting ONE Record facilitates automated, accurate CO₂ reporting and integration with carbon offset programs such as CORSIA and ETS. It also ensures seamless data sharing for sustainability reporting frameworks like ESG.

While CO2 emissions are a primary concern, aviation's total climate impact includes non-CO2 emissions such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulfur oxides (SOx). Though emitted in smaller quantities, these gases can have significant environmental effects. For instance, nitrous oxide (N2ON2O) has a Global Warming Potentiali (GWP100GWP100) 310 times that of CO2 and a lifetime of approximately 120 years. Similarly, methane (CH4CH4) has a GWP 21 times that of CO2, lasting 9-15 years.

ONE Record does not yet support non-CO2 emissions tracking due to the lack of established per-flight monitoring methods. Additionally, NOx emissions vary based on engine design, technology, operating conditions (idle, take-off, descent), and atmospheric factors like temperature, pressure, and humidity. However, as research advances, ONE Record's standardized framework may pave the way for future tracking of these emissions.

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is an ambitious goal requiring a multi-faceted approach. ONE Record is crucial in laying the foundation for success by standardizing data capture and exchange, empowering stakeholders with the granular visibility needed to track sustainability progress.

Early implementation of ONE Record with integrated sustainability KPIs will drive data-driven decision-making and foster collaboration across the supply chain. Enhanced transparency will help optimize current operations and pave the way for future innovation. Ultimately, ONE Record's contribution to data standardization, combined with ongoing research and technological advancements, will be essential in charting a sustainable future for air cargo and achieving the net-zero target.

Naviq is a strategic advisor to IATA's ONE Record program and working groups, ensuring our customers maximize value from the new standard. Download "ONE Record, One Future: Maximizing the benefits of a digital ecosystem" to leverage best practices for migration success and accelerated adoption.