Shanghai Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal Co Ltd (PACTL) and its subsidiary PACTL West have achieved certification under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Integrated Sustainability Program Environmental Assessment (IEnvA), becoming the first air cargo terminal operator in mainland China to secure the environmental accreditation.
The certification, awarded through IATA’s Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP), recognises organisations that demonstrate a comprehensive and structured approach to sustainability management across their operations. For cargo terminal operators, the programme provides a formal framework to measure, implement and continuously improve environmental performance in line with global aviation sustainability standards.
Sustainability framework for aviation stakeholders
Established by IATA specifically for aviation industry participants, the ISP provides a structured pathway for organisations seeking to integrate sustainability into corporate governance and operational practices. In addition to certification, the programme offers training, workshops, technical guidance and assessment tools across four key pillars: environmental management, sustainable procurement, social responsibility and sustainability performance monitoring.
At the core of the programme is the IEnvA framework, which evaluates how environmental considerations are embedded within an organisation’s governance structures, operational controls and management systems. The framework places particular emphasis on systematic environmental management and the continuous improvement of sustainability performance.
Commitment to greener cargo operations
Founded in 1999 as a German–Chinese joint venture, PACTL specialises in air cargo handling services at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, one of Asia’s busiest international cargo gateways. Over the past decade, the terminal operator has progressively integrated sustainability measures across its cargo handling operations and facility management.
Among the initiatives implemented are the expansion of on-site photovoltaic power generation, the adoption of electric forklifts for ground handling operations, upgrades to energy-efficient lighting systems and the promotion of paperless processes across operational workflows.
According to the company, these initiatives reflect a long-term strategy aimed at reducing environmental impact while aligning operational practices with internationally recognised sustainability benchmarks.
Industry recognition
Xie Xingquan, Regional Vice President for North Asia at the International Air Transport Association, praised the achievement and its potential impact across the aviation sector.
“IATA commends Pudong International Airport Cargo Terminal for achieving the ISP:IEnvA certification,” he said. “The first move by PACTL can help advance sustainability both effectively and efficiently. It represents a remarkable and impactful step that can lead the way among airports and aviation stakeholders across the region.”
Building on operational excellence
For PACTL, the certification represents another milestone in strengthening environmental governance within its cargo operations.
Carsten Hernig, Deputy General Manager of PACTL, noted that aligning with internationally recognised sustainability frameworks reinforces the company’s broader operational goals.
“Aligning with internationally recognised frameworks such as IEnvA supports our ongoing efforts to meet the expectations of customers and partners throughout the aviation supply chain,” Hernig said. “It reflects our long-term commitment to building robust and transparent environmental management practices.”
Expanding portfolio of IATA certifications
The environmental certification follows another significant milestone for PACTL earlier this year. In February, the company confirmed that it had achieved full certification under the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) programme across four specialised cargo categories: pharmaceuticals, lithium batteries, fresh produce and live animals.
The CEIV programme establishes globally recognised standards for the safe and compliant handling of sensitive or high-value cargo. By holding multiple CEIV certifications, PACTL is able to provide airlines, freight forwarders and shippers with additional assurance that specialised cargo shipments are managed according to internationally recognised best practices.
Together, the latest certifications strengthen PACTL’s position as a leading cargo handling partner at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and reinforce its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability and global compliance standards within the rapidly evolving air cargo sector.
