What is air freight?
Air freight, also known as air cargo, refers to the transportation of goods via air carriers. This service is typically used for shipping goods that need to be delivered quickly over long distances. Air freight services are provided by both dedicated cargo airlines and commercial passenger airlines, which may carry freight in the cargo hold of their aircraft.
What are the benefits of air freight?
Air freight plays a critical role in global trade and logistics, enabling businesses to swiftly move products worldwide. The ability to utilise the cargo hold of commercial passenger planes, known as belly freight, adds to its versatility and efficiency.
Why is air freight increasing?
In the UK, the Civil Aviation Authority noted a significant rise in cargo flights in 2022 compared to 2019, even as passenger flights lagged behind pre-COVID levels. Dedicated cargo flights moved 1.1 million tonnes in 2022, a 23% increase from 2019. The full article can be found here.
One key factor in this upward trend is the rise of same- and next-day delivery in e-commerce. Amazon has spearheaded this shift with its rapid delivery options, significantly speeding up from two-day to one-day deliveries in 2019. As consumer expectations for fast delivery grow, other companies are striving to match Amazon’s pace, driving up demand for air transport.
According to Stand.earth, 75% of the US population has Amazon Prime, with an estimated 180 million Prime members in the US alone receiving over 4 billion items via One-Day shipping in 2023.
Top Cargo Airports in the UK
According to the Simple Flying article (2023), East Midlands Airport (EMA) leads the UK in cargo aircraft movements, followed by the major London airports, Edinburgh, and Belfast.
Other airports are climbing the ranks with their dedicated air cargo services. For example, Cargo First at Bournemouth Airport is reportedly the UK's fastest-growing airport operation, according to Bournemouth Airport website. This trend is likely happening at smaller airports throughout the UK and Europe, as they aim to bypass congestion, delays, and high costs associated with larger, more established airports, labelled above.
How can we mitigate the impact of rising air freight?
Switch to Low-Carbon Alternatives: Marine shipping or rail can be more sustainable options. Investments in electrifying rail and trucks could also help, even if it means limiting same-day and next-day deliveries.
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs): SAFs produced from non-fossil fuel sources offer a greener alternative. Although the benefits vary between SAFs, and are still very limited.
Consumer Behavioural Change: Reducing demand for ultra-fast delivery by planning ahead, choosing eco-friendly delivery options, shopping with sustainable brands, and supporting local businesses can significantly decrease air freight.
The Impact of Fast Deliveries on Local Air Quality
The expansion of air freight is posing challenges to public health. The growth in air freight and the expansion of shipping hubs increase local air pollution, affecting nearby communities.
While aviation's contribution to climate change through CO2 production is well-known, its local impacts are less discussed. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) highlighted in its Environmental Report (2022) that nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and fine particulate matter from aviation are major pollutants affecting human health.
Recent studies show that ground-level emissions significantly degrade air quality around major airports and regions, posing serious health risks. Research also indicates that emissions from aircraft at cruising altitudes can circulate back to lower levels, contributing to ground-level ozone and particulate matter. Despite over 90% of aviation-related nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions occurring above 3,000 feet, they still impact ground-level ozone levels. Some studies suggest that emissions from cruising aircraft could be a major source of surface-level particulate matter.
Most other sources of NOx, such as road traffic and industrial processes, are being reduced through clean air regulations and the transition to alternative energy sources. However, this transition has been more challenging for aviation.
To summarise
Understand and challenge the dynamics of air freight is crucial as it continues to grow and impact both global and local environments, by:
exploring sustainable alternatives;
adapting our consumer habits;
air quality monitoring around airports can help understand the trend of NOx, particulate matter and Ozone; and
building design around airports with air quality in mind.
How can we help?
Consulting with experts early on can help you understand the feasibility of your development site, especially in areas where airport activity might affect ambient air quality. Our consultancy services can also offer valuable early design input for your project.
If you’re unsure about the assessments your project might need in terms of air quality, drop me a call/message or a note via the contact form, for some non-committal advice.
07805951564