Environmental action at SWISS WorldCargo

Areas of action Key initiatives Group alignment Resources Partners

Advancing lower-emission air logistics

We recognize the climate impact of aviation and focus on concrete measures that contribute to the industry’s transition towards lower-carbon air transport.
As part of SWISS and the Lufthansa Group, we support measures including fleet renewal, more efficient flight and ground operations, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Direct Air Capture (DAC). We also provide customers with information about the estimated CO₂ emissions associated with their shipments.
Operational efficiency measures at Zurich Hub supporting sustainable air cargo

Our areas of action

We focus our lower-emission activities on four areas: operational efficiency, technology and innovation, collaboration across the supply chain, and participation in Lufthansa Group initiatives.

SWISS WorldCargo loading operations optimized for efficiency A plane is loaded

Operational efficiency

We work to reduce fuel consumption and related CO₂ emissions through fleet renewal, optimized flight planning, weight reductions, and more efficient ground-handling processes.

Technology & innovation

We support technologies and measures that contribute to lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions or remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. These include Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Direct Air Capture (DAC), and AeroSHARK surface technology.

Collaboration & supply chain

We work with partners and suppliers across the logistics ecosystem to implement concrete environmental measures, exchange knowledge, and support the transition towards lower-carbon air transport.

Lufthansa Group initiatives

As part of SWISS and the Lufthansa Group, we contribute to Group-wide measures for CO2 reduction including fleet renewal, operational efficiency, the use of SAF, and the development of carbon-removal technologies.

Key initiatives and measures

The measures taken by SWISS WorldCargo address different aspects of aviation’s environmental impact, including fuel efficiency, lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, and the removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Supporting lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions with SAF

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is produced from renewable energy sources, such as used cooking oils and fats or agricultural waste. Although SAF produces a similar amount of CO₂ during combustion as fossil kerosene, the SAF used by the Lufthansa Group achieves at least 80% lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions on average.
SWISS WorldCargo supports the development and scaling of SAF and is the launch customer for Synhelion’s solar fuel technology. SAF is currently available only in limited quantities and is incorporated into Lufthansa Group flight operations rather than being allocated to an individual shipment or flight.
Parts of the eligible SAF used by Lufthansa Group have been co-funded by the EU Emissions Trading System.
Aerial view of multiple blue solar panels arranged in a geometric patern, Synhelion facility
AeroSHARK Technology

Improving aircraft fuel efficiency with AeroSHARK

AeroSHARK is a bionic surface film applied to all our Boeing 777 aircraft. Its structure is modelled on sharkskin and reduces aerodynamic drag, thereby lowering fuel consumption and related CO₂ emissions.
Across the aircraft fitted with AeroSHARK, the technology contributes to annual fuel and CO₂ savings.
Tow young workers working on a plane applying AEROShark technology foil on aircarft
Direct Air Capture

Capturing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere

Direct Air Capture (DAC) is a carbon removal technology that captures CO₂ directly from the atmosphere and enables its permanent storage or use as a renewable carbon source for the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).
In partnership with Climeworks, SWISS supports the development of DAC and the scaling of technologies for permanent carbon removal.
Direct Air Capture facility climeworks
CO₂ Emission Transparency

Information about estimated shipment-related CO₂ emissions

SWISS WorldCargo uses a methodology based on the DIN EN 16258 standard to estimate the CO₂ emissions associated with cargo transportation.
This provides customers with information about their estimated transport-related CO₂ emissions and supports informed decision-making. The figures are model-based estimates and may differ from the actual CO₂ emissions of an individual shipment.
SWISS WorldCargo Green Choice – reducing CO₂ emissions

Contributing to Lufthansa Group and industry initiatives

SWISS WorldCargo participates in Lufthansa Group measures that address aviation’s climate impact. These include fleet renewal, operational efficiency, SAF uptake, and the development of carbon-removal technologies.
We also participate in relevant industry frameworks and regulatory schemes. Further information about the Lufthansa Group’s environmental measures is available on the Lufthansa Group website.

More on Lufthansa Group sustainability

Explore related information and reports

CO₂ calculation methodology Environmental action at SWISS SWISS Environmental Report 2025 Green Choice Add-on Service

Working with partners

We work with technology providers, environmental organizations, and logistics partners on measures including SAF development, carbon-removal technologies, operational efficiency, and emissions information.
metafuels

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