Operational measures.
A fleet of modern and environmentally friendly aircraft is not the only step we have taken to cut kerosene consumption and emissions. Our pilots have developed more than 50 measures as part of our “Fuel Efficiency” project.
The systematic search for shorter flying routes, known as “directs,” is one example of an option that could save up to 1,000 tons of kerosene a year. Furthermore, an additional turning point for the alternative airport Hahn was set up in cooperation with Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), reducing the amount of kerosene that aircraft need to transport with them on approach to Frankfurt and saving an additional 950 tons of kerosene a year.
Aircraft loading processes (weight and balance) and our loading equipment are also subject to constant improvement. Ultimately, uneven weight distribution in the cargo hold and transportation of unnecessary kilos increases fuel consumption. One example of our improvements in this direction is the AKH Lightweight-Container. Following a joint test phase with our subsidiary Jettainer, all standard containers were replaced with Lightweight-Containers by 2014. The plastic materials used make these containers approximately 13 kg lighter, saving 2,100 tons of kerosene and 6,800 tons of CO2 annually.
We are currently developing light versions of other standard containers and pallets, aiming to exchange all loading materials by 2020. By clearing out our MD-11 Freighters, we have also found a way to save an additional 450 tons of CO2 a year. Each aircraft now weighs 70 kg less thanks to the removal of loose objects, such as flashlights, cockpit documents and curtains.
Intelligently connecting different modes of transport is another pioneering approach. We are a link in the entire supply chain and want to achieve mobility through partnership rather than competition. For example, we are shifting Road Feeder Services from trucks to rail or sea transport.
In addition to our operational measures in the air, we are also committed to environmental sustainability on the ground, where we have been able to cut energy consumption by 50 percent by replacing all light sources in one of our cargo warehouses, or by using electric forklifts and our recycling facilities to balance our environmental performance on the ground.
We are actively working on the IATA initiative aimed at digitalizing the up to 30 different paper documents needed for an air freight shipment (eFreight). We successfully implemented the electronic air waybill (eAWB) in 2015. Today, one-third of all Lufthansa Cargo shipments are transported without a paper eAWB. Simply digitalizing one cargo document makes it possible to save around 225 tons of CO2 a year thanks to the reduction in weight on board Lufthansa Cargo’s aircraft.
