Integration of Digital Technology and Green Logistics to Drive Sustainability and Risk Management in Thai Airports: Towards Net Zero Emissions

Abstract

This article presents a strategic analysis of the integration of digital technology and green logistics as key mechanisms for enhancing sustainability and climate risk management in Thai airports operated by Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT). The study focuses on two major international airports–Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Phuket International Airport (HKT)–as representative case studies in Thailand transition toward achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050. Under the Smart Airport strategy, Industry 4.0 technologies–including Digital Twin, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and biometric identification systems–have been deployed to significantly improve operational efficiency. Empirical evidence indicates that these technologies have reduced passenger processing time by up to 67%. In parallel, the implementation of the Airport Cargo Community System (ACCS) has enabled a shift toward paperless logistics operations, reducing paper consumption by more than 1.5 million sheets per year and improving logistics efficiency by cutting truck waiting times by approximately 25-30%. From a green logistics perspective, AOT has made substantial investments in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission reduction measures. Notably, the installation of a 37.8 MW solar rooftop system is projected to reduce cumulative carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by more than 555,000 tons over the projects lifetime. In addition, the conversion of 3,710 units of ground support equipment (GSE) to electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to reduce fossil fuel consumption by over 10 million liters per year. Climate risk management practices at AOT align with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework, addressing both physical risks and transition risks. Furthermore, the achievement of Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 3 Optimization reflects a strong commitment to environmental governance and carbon management. Strategic recommendations emphasize the promotion of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to address Scope 3 emissions and the systematic use of Digital Twin technology to evaluate the outcomes of digital transformation initiatives.