About SkyTeam Cargo

SkyTeam Cargo's concern for the needs of its clients and, as a result, the quality of services provided means commitment to protection of the environment too. Each member of the alliance has already taken many steps to reduce adverse environmental impact and will continue to do so in the future.

A concrete activity aiming at emission reduction is the modernization of the fleet. Each airline favours new generation aircraft with lower noise level and air emissions. Fleet renewal is the fundamental key for noise reduction and for flying as clean as possible.

For example, Air France-KLM is investing in the most environmentally friendly commercial airplanes ever built. Their recently acquired Boeing 777F, whose consumption and CO2 emission is 18% lower than the Boeing 747-400, is the most fuel efficient freighter in the world. The same principle applies to the new Airbus A320s of Alitalia. This aircraft, featuring the green "Environmentally Friendly" company logo, meets the most advanced international standards. These planes are equipped with the latest technology and the most efficient engines, reducing noise and improving fuel consumption. Korean Air is gradually replacing its fleet with highly-efficient eco-friendly aircraft. Their fleet includes the A380, with a 40% higher maximum take-off weight than the B747, and the B787, the first private aircraft to employ a light carbon complex over the entire fuselage. It is equipped with eco-friendly engines which produce 30% less toxic exhaust such as hydrogen carbon, CO and NOx. Delta operates one of the youngest fleets in the world. Their 2009 fleet is, on average, 35% more fuel efficient than its fleet was in 2000. Czech Airlines also cares for the environment and in recent years reconfigured its fleet, replacing old types of aircraft with new ones that are certified under international standards for lower noise categories.

All SkyTeam Cargo members have been committed to a variety of ground and flight activities and projects to protect the environment. Among those are the following:

• Water-saving and protection - in particular for aircraft and engine maintenance
• Energy savings by installing solar powers (i.e. Delta partnered with the Port of Portland and its customer Nike to install them to power Nike's retail store at the Portland Airport) or by conserving energy by upgrading electronic equipment and turning off equipment when not in use
• Air protection by minimizing the atmospheric emissions from activities especially in technical areas and airports ('taxi/idle phases') or by installing winglets on fleet (as for the entire B737 fleet of Aeromexico and for many of Delta's 737s, 757s and 767s), helping to considerably reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Delta has deployed more than 1200 electric ground service vehicles - all with zero emissions - to reduce pollution and lower the overall carbon footprint
• Use of recycled materials such as wood, plastic and carbon fibers (batteries for envirotainers are also re-used wherever possible)
• Participation to IATA's e-freight program; paperless air freight that will reduce waste and CO2 emissions
• ULD control such as the use of ultra Kevlar containers and other light fibre that leads to less weight and less kerosene used on the flight, resulting in less CO2 emission
• Research and development of 'alternative fuels' that lessen the impact on the environment.

A concrete example of this green approach comes from the CO2 compensation service offered by Air France Cargo-KLM Cargo to its customers, allowing both freight forwarders and shippers to gain detailed insight into the CO2 emission of their shipments and the possibility to compensate for this emission. The compensation contribution is invested fully in projects that create wind, water or solar energy with a Gold Standard certificate - guaranteeing premium projects in the carbon market which are audited by external parties.

Moreover all members strive to create personal awareness of these topics among the entire staff by constantly communicating environmental sensitivity and culture. As an example, through various initiatives, such as commuting alternatives and volunteerism programs, Delta encourages its employees to become environmentally conscious both at work as well as in their private life. A national green economic organization has given Delta top ranking among major U.S. airlines for its onboard recycling efforts. Green America gave Delta the highest marks in the industry for its onboard recycling program.

Each SkyTeam Cargo member cares about environmental issues and aims to continuously implement and improve environmental management policies and systems. The focus of these policies and systems is to achieve a permanent reduction of both direct and indirect impacts on the planet caused by air transport activities.

To try to make a real difference, all of the airlines have to take on this challenge together, setting an example in the global airline industry. For the future, their commitment is continue to guarantee the clients a transportation service which combines reliability, safety and respect for the environment.