The Aviation Challenge 2025

Air France has taken meaningful steps toward reducing its carbon footprint by transitioning its ground service equipment (GSE) from conventional fuel-powered models to electric alternatives. As of 2024, 70 percent of the GSE fleet operating in France is fully electrified. This initiative targets high-impact equipment categories, including: Aircraft tractors - used for aircraft pushback and towing Loaders and belt loaders - for efficient cargo and baggage handling Baggage tractors - for transporting luggage between the terminal and aircraft Ground power units (GPU) - supplying power to aircraft while parked Passenger stairs - enabling boarding and deboarding at remote stands without jet bridges This transition not only supports emissions reduction but also enhances ground operation efficiency and aligns with Air France’s broader sustainability commitments.

By introducing recyclable materials and optimizing logistics, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is taking tangible steps toward a more sustainable future. Aron Backström, SAS Vice President of Product and Loyalty, emphasized:

“As an airline, our primary goal is decarbonization, which involves making sustainable choices in fleet, fuel, and operations.”

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has introduced lightweight, recyclable cardboard support planks for cargo transport on its widebody aircraft. These planks improve cargo handling efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Because they weigh approximately 80 percent less than traditional wooden planks, they help lower the overall cargo weight, which leads to reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

For example, replacing a single 1-meter wooden plank with a cardboard alternative on a Copenhagen to Los Angeles (CPH to LAX) flight saves approximately 17 kilograms of CO2. In 2023 and 2024, this initiative helped SAS cut approximately 60,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions, with even greater savings expected in 2025.

In addition to fuel savings, these planks are made from recycled materials and can be reused multiple times before being recycled again as standard cardboard waste. Their lighter weight also makes them easier to handle, improving efficiency and reducing physical strain on cargo staff.

These planks are often less expensive than wood, increasing the incentive for airlines to adopt them. Unlike wooden planks, they do not require treatment against plant pests, making them compliant with ISPM 15 and IPPC regulations.

SAS initially tested these support planks on widebody flights departing from Copenhagen, a major hub for its long-haul operations. After seeing promising results, the airline is expanding their use to more flights as part of its broader commitment to sustainable aviation.

Development and Implementation of Cardboard Support Planks

To reduce aircraft weight and lower fuel consumption, SAS partnered with a supplier specializing in lightweight, recyclable cargo solutions. The cardboard planks are made from durable, recycled materials. Despite their lower weight, they have high load-bearing capacity and remain reliable even in wet conditions.

Several suppliers offer these planks. A quick search for “air cargo recyclable support planks” reveals providers who also offer other lightweight equipment, such as cardboard Euro pallets. These alternatives can also be used by cargo customers when building their own unit load device pallets.

Following the success of this solution, SAS is expanding the use of cardboard support planks across more flights. This supports its goal of making cargo transport more sustainable while also improving efficiency for ground staff.

By implementing measures like this, SAS continues to reduce its environmental footprint through practical, scalable innovations.

Air France has taken meaningful steps toward reducing its carbon footprint by transitioning its ground service equipment (GSE) from conventional fuel-powered models to electric alternatives. As of 2024, 70 percent of the GSE fleet operating in France is fully electrified. This initiative targets high-impact equipment categories, including: Aircraft tractors - used for aircraft pushback and towing Loaders and belt loaders - for efficient cargo and baggage handling Baggage tractors - for transporting luggage between the terminal and aircraft Ground power units (GPU) - supplying power to aircraft while parked Passenger stairs - enabling boarding and deboarding at remote stands without jet bridges This transition not only supports emissions reduction but also enhances ground operation efficiency and aligns with Air France’s broader sustainability commitments.