The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA) has launched a number of desktop verification pilots for the BlueSky program, the industry's first sustainability assessment, validation and verification program.

The pilot participants are expected to complete desktop verification in the coming weeks, the statement said. Participants have already had a preliminary interview with the validator and are currently completing the questionnaire and preparing submission documents. Once the questionnaire and evidence are submitted, a formal assessment begins and participants receive individual briefings to discuss their results and personalized dashboards.

“We are excited to see the next step of the BlueSky program being realized,” said Steven Polmans, President of TIACA. “The desktop verification pilot phase is the start of real change, and it will ultimately enable companies to assess and verify the progress of their own sustainability journey. To provide industry transparency on such an important topic as sustainability is a game changer and we look forward to seeing the impact it has on our industry.”

Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA, added: “The launch and publication of the BlueSky assessment guidelines was the first step on this journey. We expect pilot participants to gain a clear understanding of where their business stands in creating A sustainable future We will then begin the next phase of our journey by launching the BlueSky desktop industry-wide authentication, followed by the on-premises validation module early next year.”

The BlueSky program is a tool the air freight industry can use to track their sustainability progress, benchmark against peers and accelerate the industry's transformation, the statement said.