Avelia, a blockchain-based platform developed by Shell and Accenture in partnership with Amex Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), has broadened its reach to include the air freight sector. The initiative aims to enhance the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a critical resource capable of cutting aircraft CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. This reduction could significantly impact global emissions, lowering them by approximately 2% across all industries.
Air freight, a major contributor to aviation emissions, accounted for nearly 20% of the sector’s emissions in 2018. By 2023, air cargo flights had increased by 25%, emphasizing the urgency for sustainable practices. Integrating SAF into supply chains presents an opportunity to substantially mitigate emissions associated with air transport.
Avelia’s Blockchain-Powered Solution
Avelia operates as a blockchain-based reservation platform for SAF purchases, ensuring transparent and traceable environmental data. The system has successfully delivered over 18 million gallons of SAF, resulting in the avoidance of more than 165,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions from business travel.
The platform facilitates collaboration between physical SAF users and organizations seeking to achieve their sustainability targets. This shared approach addresses the high cost of SAF, making it more affordable and accessible to airlines and other stakeholders.
With its new Avelia Air Freight Solutions, the platform now enables freight forwarders to allocate SAF’s environmental attributes to shipping customers, enhancing transparency in emissions reporting. This move supports broader SAF adoption and encourages more stakeholders in the aviation sector to invest in decarbonization.
Prominent Backers and Industry Impact
Avelia has garnered support from leading corporations and airlines, including Google, Delta Air Lines, and Bank of America. By offering customizable solutions, the platform allows freight forwarders to integrate SAF options into their existing programs or provide them directly to clients.
With operations spanning 13 global airport locations and partnerships with over 35 airlines and corporations, Avelia is positioned as a key player in driving the sustainable transformation of aviation logistics. Its expansion into the freight sector creates additional avenues for accelerating SAF adoption and decarbonizing the aviation industry.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Shell Aviation has emphasized the importance of collaboration across the aviation value chain to scale SAF adoption. The company believes that Avelia exemplifies how corporate travel and freight demand can connect with SAF supply, advancing sustainability efforts across the industry.
Amex GBT has highlighted the platform’s growth as evidence of the pivotal role corporate travel plays in scaling sustainable technologies to address air travel emissions. Other notable adopters of Avelia include Rolls-Royce and Aon, further reinforcing its industry-wide impact.
Driving Progress in Aviation Sustainability
The evolution of Avelia underscores the growing importance of blockchain technology and innovative collaborations in addressing environmental challenges in aviation. By expanding its services to the air freight sector, the platform is paving the way for a more sustainable future in both passenger and cargo aviation. As SAF adoption increases, Avelia’s role in supporting decarbonization efforts is set to become even more critical.
