Ship Movements Resume at Belgian Ports After Pilots Suspend Job Action

Europe’s airfreight supply chain faces a toughest test: how to decarbonise the trucks that link major airport hubs to regional cargo terminals. These road feeder services (RFS) form the hidden backbone of the air cargo sector, moving shipments over short and medium distances where aircraft cannot. Yet the diesel engines that power them now sit in the crosshairs of regulators, customers, and investors alike.

Average emissions for RFS operations stand at between 80 and 120 grams of CO₂ per tonne-kilometre. With the EU’s targets and the expansion of its Emissions Trading System to road transport (ETS2) on the horizon, operators are, therefore, under growing pressure to shift away from traditional fuels, such as diesel.

“The challenge is not whether to decarbonise, but how fast we can make it happen without breaking the economic model,” Benny Smets, CEO of Ninatrans, stated. The practical pathway to zero-emission trucking remains uneven across Europe. Electric heavy goods vehicles are available, but charging and refuelling facilities are sparse, particularly for cross-border routes that make up much of the RFS network. Hydrogen trucks, with longer driving range, are in development, but it will take some years to go before mass production, a lot of challenges still to be addressed.

Hauliers report long lead times for vehicle orders and limited capacity on the power grid to support fleet-scale electrification. Even major operators with dedicated airport contracts are struggling to expand pilot schemes beyond a handful of units. “We have a recharging station big enough for two trucks,” Smets explained. “There is no way to electrify everything yet.”

The bottleneck reflects a broader imbalance between ambition and delivery. While national governments have pledged to expand high-capacity charging corridors, only a fraction of the required infrastructure is operational. Hydrogen supply chains, meanwhile, remain in their infancy, with refuelling costs still prohibitive outside a few industrial clusters.

Economics tipping toward electrification

Despite these obstacles, the financial logic of the transition is beginning to shift. Diesel’s long-standing tax advantages for hauliers are being phased out in several member states, while carbon pricing and stricter emissions standards are expected to raise operating costs further over the next decade.

Fossil fuel taxes could add several thousand euros per truck per year by the late 2020s. At the same time, battery and component prices for electric trucks are falling as production scales up. The balance between the two, some predict, could reach an “economic tipping point” within three years, when running a zero-emission vehicle becomes cheaper over its lifetime than a diesel equivalent.

Still, fleet renewal will take time. High capital costs, long payback periods, and persistent uncertainty over future resale values continue to deter smaller operators. For now, most are betting on a mix of fuels — combining battery-electric and bio-LNG trucks for regional routes, while retaining diesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for long-haul sectors until infrastructure improves.

Competitive pressure and global supply chains

Europe’s slow progress is also exposing its manufacturers to competitive risk. Chinese truck makers have begun exporting low-cost electric models, reportedly priced at around one-third of their European equivalents. Even with import duties, those units could undercut local products.

“China might play an important role in our industry,” Smets expressed. The gap in manufacturing cost — roughly €100,000 versus €300,000 per unit — has raised concerns in Brussels about industrial competitiveness and the need for targeted incentives to support local production.

Without coordinated policy, the EU could end up dependent on imported vehicles just as it seeks to secure its supply chain. The debate mirrors that of the broader energy transition, where cost, sovereignty, and sustainability goals often pull in different directions.

Collaboration, transparency, and the long road ahead

Decarbonising airfreight trucking will require collaboration across the value chain. Airlines, forwarders, airports, and hauliers will need to align procurement, data reporting, and infrastructure investment to make meaningful progress.

Operators are also under pressure from customers to quantify and disclose transport emissions in line with ESG reporting frameworks. Those that can demonstrate measurable reductions stand to win new contracts as large shippers embed carbon metrics in logistics tenders.

“The airfreight community must treat sustainability as part of its business model, not as an add-on,” Smets concluded. That shift, speakers agreed, will redefine how RFS capacity is planned, priced, and powered — marking the beginning of a long but irreversible transformation in Europe’s air cargo logistics.

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Exolum has announced its decision to invest £4.5 million in creating the UK’s first independent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending facility at Redcliffe Bay in south-west England, as part of new plans for a UK-wide network of SAF blending hubs.

The announcement comes as the UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill, which creates new subsidies for SAF production, progresses to its next stage in Parliament. SAF is a ‘drop-in’ biofuel that is blended with conventional aviation fuel and used in aeroplanes without modification, to reduce the carbon emissions of flying.

By blending customers’ SAF into Exolum’s national aviation fuel pipeline network, the investment will boost green aviation fuel supplies to airports across southern England and Wales, including those at Heathrow, Gatwick, Bristol, Exeter and Cardiff.

The company is also announcing that the facility will be the first of a new UK-wide network of SAF blending hubs it plans as part of its 2,000km pipeline network, creating a SAF Superhighway that will provide SAF producers and importers with market access to the jet fuel for 40% of flights leaving the UK’s airports.

Expected to be operational from 2026, the initial investment at Redcliffe Bay will support the greening of the equivalent of up to 64,741 flights from London to New York a year, supporting the UK’s position as a global leader in green aviation.

The plans will enable long-term green investment in SAF production plants across the UK and, in the case of Redcliffe Bay, south-west of England and southern Wales, by providing a crucial, independent route to market for when they become operational, which is expected later this decade.

Unblended SAF will initially be delivered by ships to Bristol’s Royal Portbury Dock, before being transported to Exolum’s Redcliffe Bay site by pipeline. It will then be stored and blended on-site with conventional aviation fuel, to create the ready-to-use ‘drop-in’ fuel that is then distributed by Exolum’s national pipeline system.

     

The project includes several infrastructure upgrades to Exolum’s existing aviation fuel pipeline storage and pumping station at Redcliffe Bay, on the banks of the Severn Estuary near Bristol. The plans include:

• Conversion of existing aviation fuel storage tanks to handle SAF, before it is blended with conventional aviation fuel.
• Within the existing tanks, the installation of a state-of-the-art SAF blending infrastructure, which will ensure that SAF is blended with conventional aviation fuel to the correct technical standards.
• Modifying existing systems by installing new pumps, filtration systems and segregation valves to circulate SAF between storage tanks and to pump into the pipeline network.

Exolum North West Europe Lead, Stephen Land, says: “Exolum’s investment at Redcliffe Bay is turning the UK’s ambitions for greener flights into reality, whilst helping secure the country’s world-leading position at the forefront of global sustainable aviation.

“The UK’s twin commitments to airport expansion and to increasing SAF supplies have been crucial in ensuring that, and we’re looking forward to not only supporting greener aviation but also the growth of the UK’s sustainable fuels industry.”

UK Department for Transport Aviation Minister, Keir Mather MP, says: “I’m excited to see the rollout of Exolum’s SAF network, which will help support regional jobs across the country and is another major vote of confidence in our SAF polices including the SAF Bill, which is back in

Parliament for its third reading.”

“We’re investing £63 million to support the production of homegrown SAF which, alongside our mandate to increase the supply of SAF in aviation fuel to UK flights, will drive demand for greener fuels and support jobs in the UK.”

Sadik Al Hassan MP, sustainable aviation champion and MP for North Somerset, says: “Exolum’s £4.5 million investment in their Redcliffe Bay facility marks a significant boost for North Somerset, helping support new technical jobs across the sustainable aviation supply chain in southwest England, whilst advancing the UK’s leadership in green aviation.

“Their vision for a sustainable aviation fuel ‘superhighway’ links delivery hubs to where the green fuel is needed most across the country, making the region more attractive for green investment in sustainable fuel production. It’s a clear signal that the green transition isn’t just possible but here.”

Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, says: “It’s fantastic to see this investment in our region, with blending facilities being a vital part of the future SAF supply chain that we need to decarbonise aviation. We’ve committed to working with our airline customers to meet the UK’s SAF mandate as part of our aim to be a net zero airport by 2050.”

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UAF personnel began operating flights from Alaska’s Nenana Municipal Airport this month after completing a three-week training programme with Windracers specialists at Indiana’s Jasper County Airport, where Windracers collaborates with research partner AIDA3 at Purdue University.

“Our goal is to create an environment for the commercial sector in which unmanned aircraft become a routine sight in Alaska’s skies.”

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THAI Airways, the flag carrier of Thailand, has appointed Unilode Aviation Solutions as its full-service ULD management provider.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in THAI Airways’ transformation journey, reinforcing the airline’s focus on operational excellence, digital innovation, and long-term sustainability across its global network.

Emerging successfully from its business rehabilitation, THAI Airways is now entering a new phase of growth and modernisation. The airline’s five-year strategic plan focuses on operational excellence, fleet renewal, and digital transformation, aiming to nearly double its fleet to approximately 150 aircraft by 2033 and grow its market share across key international markets.

Working together, Unilode will provide comprehensive ULD management, maintenance, repair, and digital tracking services across THAI’s global network. The partnership will enhance fleet utilization, reduce operational complexity, and improve reliability for THAI’s passenger and cargo operations.

The partnership also aligns closely with THAI Airways’ sustainability ambitions. By sharing assets across Unilode’s global network, fewer ULDs are required to support operations, thereby reducing raw material consumption, minimising waste, and lowering carbon emissions. Centralised repair and refurbishment within Unilode’s network further extends asset lifecycles, supporting circular economy principles and more responsible resource use.

Ross Marino, Chief Executive Officer at Unilode Aviation Solutions, said: “We are delighted and proud to become THAI Airways’ full ULD management service provider. Our partnership will deliver measurable results, improving efficiency, bringing digital transformation, and supporting Thai Airways’ sustainability ambitions.

“This collaboration reflects how Unilode’s continued investment in our people, infrastructure, and technology is strengthening our position as the trusted partner of choice for airlines globally. Pooling and full-service management are increasingly recognised as the smarter, more sustainable way to manage ULDs across the aviation industry.”

Veera-anong Pookgaman, Head of Cargo and Mail Commercial at THAI Airways, added: “Partnering with Unilode is an important step in our transformation strategy. “Their expertise, global network, and digital solutions will help us streamline operations, strengthen reliability, and make tangible progress toward our sustainability goals.

“THAI’s transformation is built on strong governance, innovation, and partnerships like this that enable us to deliver enduring value to our passengers, shareholders, and partners.”

Unilode’s  digital platforms and data-driven insights will provide THAI Airways with real-time visibility, improved asset utilisation, and enhanced sustainability reporting across its operations. The partnership is further supported by Unilode’s Operations Control Centre in Bangkok and a global team of over 800 ULD experts, ensuring local responsiveness and customer success at every touchpoint.

Over recent years, Unilode has made significant investments across its global network by strengthening its infrastructure, expanding its MRO footprint, and enhancing its people through advanced training, development, and external education programmes. These initiatives, combined with continuous innovation in digital technology and product development, enable an even broader global network and a larger, more flexible pool of assets that deliver greater efficiency, resilience, and service reliability for all airline partners.

“It is truly a privilege to earn the trust from home carrier, like Thai Airways. With our global operation control centres based in Bangkok, with the largest Task Force and also global ULD specialists across the globe, we fully commit to providing Thai Airways world class ULD management experience across its operations,” Kathanyu Jearachaikul, Vice President Operations Control Centre at Unilode, added.

Unilode’s expanding asset base across an increasing number of airports and regions continues to deliver tangible benefits to its entire customer network — offering improved operational agility, faster turnaround times, and greater access to resources and repair capabilities. These investments underline Unilode’s commitment to long-term growth and customer value creation, reinforcing its position as the global leader in sustainable ULD management.

As airlines worldwide continue to prioritise sustainability and efficiency, ULD pooling and full-service management are rapidly becoming the industry standard. THAI Airways’ partnership with Unilode underscores its leadership in embracing innovative, environmentally responsible solutions that combine operational excellence with long-term sustainability.

Explaining this model, Mohammed Akhlaq, Chief Commercial Officer at Unilode, stated: “The pool now grows to over 200,000 ULDs worldwide — that’s nearly one-fifth of the world’s ULDs. It’s brilliant to see Thai Airways join that pool. Hopefully, through the resilience we provide in the pool — the ups and downs, the peaks and troughs — where you pay for what you use, it also brings great benefits from a sustainability perspective as well.”

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