And the winners are in, and in some cases, it was not even close as you, Freightweek readers and the industry at large, determined which companies you felt had met word with action in their pledge towards more a sustainable logistics world.

Taking place at the Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy and running alongside the forwarding network FOR’s seventh annual global meeting, the sold-out Freightweek Sustainability Awards, now in their second year, welcomed a host of industry veterans as the winners, whittled down from 280 nominations to a shortlist of 100 companies across 16 different categories were announced.

Chief executive officer of Freightweek and the brains behind the Freightweek Sustainability Awards (FSA) FSA director Richard Broom says: “The FSA awards honours the entire global logistics industry across 16 major categories. It is also a pleasure to be an important part of the FOR Logistics Network Conference 2023, and I’d like to thank the organisers for a great event held in the lovely city of Istanbul, Turkiye.”

First up on the night to hear their name read out was Ethiopian Airlines Cargo, which nabbed the regional award for most Sustainable Cargo Airline of the Year, Africa. As with all the award winners, Ethiopian was fighting among a strong field but the efforts it has taken seemingly reached out to voters.

The heavily attended Awards’ ceremony welcomed forwarders from across the planet alongside the winners themselves, with Broom describing it as having been a “privilege” to be involved with these companies that are really show the logistics world how to act when it comes to creating more sustainable supply chains.

“It is a privilege to be involved in such an important event that truly recognises the importance of Sustainability,” Broom tells the magazine he founded. “Freightweek has championed Sustainability within the Logistics Industry for many years. There is now no longer an option regarding Sustainability. Either companies absolutely embrace Sustainability or face loss of business, and eventual extinction.”

Bagging the gong for Sustainable Cargo Airline of the Year, Asia, was Cathay Pacific Cargo. Collecting the award on behalf of the Hong Kong-based carrier was area cargo manager for Germany, Israel, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe, Michael Spiegel, who tells Freightweek “it was a real pleasure to be in attendance”. Thanking those that voted for Cathay Spiegel says the show was a success. In Europe, Turkish Cargo picked up the regional winner award while Etihad Cargo beat off strong competition to win for the Middle East. In the Americas, it was United Airlines Cargo that won. United’s strategic partner manager and Eco-Skies ambassador Courtney Buckwalter picked up the award on behalf of the carrier.

“At United we believe the industry needs to be bolder when it comes to scaling SAF and climate change and we’re building on that approach by investing in both companies that can capture CO2 and others that can turn it into fuel,” Buckwalter tells Freightweek when asked why she thought United won. “There’s no question that this carbon utilisation is in its infancy today, but as a leader in sustainable flying we must help build the foundation to deploy this technology of the future as expediently as possible.”

Crowned Sustainable GSSA of the Year 2023 was Strike Aviation Group. And like most of the other categories it was a close-run win, Strike fending off last year’s winner ECS Group. Strike’s COO Europe, Julia Knecht-Ostwaldt, tells Freightweek she is proud that the company she works for has been recognised for “leading the way in sustainability”. Strike’s success stems from a range of innovative initiatives such as its “Plant for the Plant” programme and Job Ebike.

“It is an honour to be recognised with an industry award for our sustainability work, which is a testament to our dedication and hard work towards reducing our carbon footprint,” continues Knecht-Ostwaldt. “We were the first Cargo GSSA to participate in the TIACA Blue Sky program, which promotes the use of sustainable aviation fuels and other environmentally friendly practices in air cargo operations. By participating in this program, we are taking a proactive approach to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in the air cargo industry.

“At Strike Aviation Group, we believe that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand. Our commitment to sustainability is making a positive impact on the environment, and we hope to set an example for others to follow. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future.”


Full list of winners:
Cargo Airline of the year 2023
Winner: Qatar Airways Cargo

Sustainable Cargo Airline of the year award 2023 - AFRICA
Winner: Ethiopian Airlines Cargo

Sustainable Cargo Airline of the year award 2023 - AMERICAS
Winner: United Airlines Cargo

Sustainable Cargo Airline of the year award 2023 - ASIA
Winner: Cathay Pacific Cargo

Sustainable Cargo Airline of the year award 2023 - EUROPE
Winner: Turkish Cargo

Sustainable Cargo Airline of the year award 2023 - MIDDLE EAST
Winner: Etihad Cargo

Sustainable Cargo Airport of the year award 2023
Winner: Miami International Airport

Sustainable Cargo Forwarder of the year award 2023
Winner: Kuehne + Nagel

Sustainable Cargo GSSA of the year award 2023
Winner: Strike Aviation Group

Sustainable Port of the year 2023
Winner: Port of Jebel Ali

Sustainable Cargo Handling Agent of the year award 2023
Winner: Challenge Handling

Sustainable Cargo ULD Provider 2023
Winner: Unilode Aviation Solutions

Sustainable Cargo Technology of the year award 2023
Winner: Aerotuf

Sustainable 3PL award 2023
Winner: Crane Worldwide Logistics

Sustainable Cargo Drone Technology award 2023
Winner: Dronamics

Sustainable Cargo Airline of the year award 2023
Winner: Ethiopian Airlines Cargo

Sustainable Cargo Warehouse Operator of the year award 2023
Winner: Asia Airfreight Terminal