How does the Airfreight Surcharge work?
The ASC was introduced in 2015. It is a combined surcharge to cover rising costs beyond SWISS WorldCargo’s control. So far, these have mainly been related to rising prices for fuel, currency, air/traffic control and security prices.
The calculation system for said surcharge relies on a flexible and fair system that works as follows: SWISS WorldCargo monitors the development of additional costs for the ASC using a standardized index calculation system. If the indexed costs justify an adjustment of the ASC up or down, the cargo carrier can decide to adjust the ASC rate. The ASC is added to the net price of each shipment.
In some countries, regulations do not allow surcharges or only allow them to be applied in certain ways. In addition, market-specific requirements are considered to ensure a balanced relationship between ASC and net tariffs. This may result in different country-specific surcharge levels.
Systematic climate targets
The ‘Green Choice’ Add-on Service enables customers to transport their shipments with SWISS WorldCargo in a more sustainable way by combining SAF with high-quality climate protection projects and documenting this investment with emissions-reduction certificates.
SAF is a key technology to achieve more sustainable flying and is essential for the energy transition in aviation. However, the aviation industry cannot drive forward a competitive SAF market on its own. A significant increase in the use of SAF is only possible if its supply volumes and availability increase substantially as quickly as possible and the prices fall accordingly. Biogenic SAF is currently available in small quantities and 3-5 times more expensive than fossil fuel. A targeted policy strategy is needed for companies and airlines to be able to meet the volumes for the blending rates and beyond.
Background information
Individual flights are not fueled with pure SAF. As a so-called “drop-in” fuel, SAF is compatible with fossil kerosene and can be easily added to it. Before being transported to the airport, SAF is blended with fossil aviation fuel and then fed into the airport infrastructure. The Lufthansa Group ensures that the amount of SAF required to offset individual CO2 emissions is fed into the Lufthansa Group’s flight operations within six months of purchase. Over its entire life cycle, SAF made from biogenic residues has a carbon footprint that is approximately 80 percent lower than that of conventional kerosene made from fossil crude oil.
About SWISS WorldCargo
SWISS International Air Lines (SWISS) is Switzerland’s largest air carrier. With one of Europe’s most advanced and carbon-efficient aircraft fleets, SWISS is a premium airline that provides direct flights from Zurich and Geneva to keep Switzerland connected with Europe and the world. Its SWISS WorldCargo division offers an extensive range of airport-to-airport airfreight services for high-value, time-critical and care-intensive consignments. As The Airline of Switzerland, SWISS embodies its home country’s traditional values and is dedicated to delivering the highest product and service quality. The company has also committed to the ambitious climate goals of halving its 2019 net carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and making its operations entirely carbon-neutral by 2050, particularly by promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels. SWISS is part of the Lufthansa Group and is also a member of Star Alliance, the world’s biggest airline network.
