IAG Cargo transitions 160-truck fleet at London Heathrow to renewable diesel

Photo: IAG Cargo

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group, announced April 25 that it has completed a transition from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), also known as renewable diesel, for its 160-strong ground-vehicle fleet at London Heathrow.

HVO is a drop-in replacement for diesel fuel made from plant waste and from fully renewable materials, meaning that it has a significant impact on net-carbon emissions.

For IAG Cargo, the transition to HVO will reduce net greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 90 percent.

The renewable fuel also significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM).

These reductions will reduce IAG Cargo’s overall scope 1 emissions by approximately 50 percent, contributing to the company’s sustainability targets.

“Transitioning our fleet of ground vehicles from diesel to HVO showcases our commitment to sustainable operations,” said David Rose, director of London operations at IAG Cargo. “This move to HVO for our large fleet at London Heathrow is just one of the actions we are taking to reach our goal of net zero by 2050 and will pave the way for a more sustainable future at IAG Cargo.”

In addition to transitioning to HVO, IAG Cargo is looking for further ways to reduce the carbon impact of its global fleet.

This includes measures such as additional electric vehicles, and a concerted effort to streamline the total vehicles in operation, with the fleet at its Dublin hub already powered by electric or HVO vehicles.

The fleet consists of a range of vehicles from small vans to large tugs, which can tow trailers holding several tons of cargo.

The transition to HVO was completed in March.

Since then, the benefits have been continuously measured, which will continue into the coming months.

IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011.

Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and Level, IAG Cargo now covers a global network covering six continents.

It has a combined workforce of more than 2,250 people.

Its parent company, International Airlines group, is one of the world’s largest airline groups with 582 aircraft.