DHL Global Forwarding and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) have inked a pact, providing the freight carrier with 33 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel. Statistically, this suffices to power approximately 180 fully loaded, long-haul B777ER freighter flights. While the airline speaks of (just) “another step towards sustainable air freight,” for DHL-GF the initiative marks “one of the most significant SAF purchases in the Freight Forwarding industry.”
180 flights fueled with SAF. That seems to be a new record in the still young history of this propellant obtained from industrial waste and residual materials. SAF enables an impressive reduction
of up to 80% in carbon emissions over the lifecycle of the fuel compared to the traditional jet fuel that it replaces. However, the savings rate depends on the feedstock used, the production
method, and the supply chain to the airport.
Unknown supplier(s)
The deal now agreed between both parties runs over a period of 3 years. In the case of DHL-GF, it forms part of its Sustainability Roadmap which aims to spend €7 billion on green technologies by
2030, and to reduce all logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050. The provider of the fuel has not been disclosed by the duo.
For Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, the agreement with DHL-GF “is a great opportunity to accelerate our joint sustainability efforts. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has a lot of potential to
reduce CO2 emissions, and we are delighted to collaborate with our strong, long-term partner, DHL Global Forwarding, on this journey to greener logistics and transportation in the coming
years,” Adriaan den Heijer, EVP Air France KLM Cargo and Managing Director Martinair, states.
CEO, Tim Scharwath of DHL-Global Forwarding, Freight, reminds that “we have committed to covering at least 30% of air freight and ocean freight fuel requirements with sustainable fuels by
2030. Our partnership with AFKLMP will help us achieve that goal.”
Customers are credited
Customers supporting DHL-GF’s decarbonization initiative are attributed the savings should they activate the “book and claim” mechanism offered by the Deutsche Post Group member. “We
must all work together to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon – and ultimately zero-carbon – emissions transport sector. After all, we only have one planet,” Mr. Scharwath underlines.
Both parties expect to save around 80,000+ tons of carbon dioxide emissions by blending SAF with regular aviation fuel in AFKLMP flights. The higher the proportion of SAF, the lower the carbon
emissions. This way, actual carbon reduction is achieved. DHL-GF allocates the benefits to its customers, helping them to reduce their company’s carbon footprint.
Additional eco efforts
AFKLMP has long been one of DHL Global Forwarding’s key freight carriers and has been one of the top three GoGreen carriers for many years. The now accorded SAF contract supports the Franco-Dutch
freight airline’s objective of net zero emissions by 2050. With the latest agreement now signed with DHL-GF, AFKLMP has further augmented its SAF scope and added to the various contracts already
agreed with other customers.
Part of this ecofriendly strategy is the plan to renew the Group’s airline fleet with next generation aircraft emitting 20-25% less CO2. Between 2019 and 2021, the Group invested 2.5 billion
euros in fleet renewal. Achieving carbon neutrality in ground operations is another important milestone targeted by AFKLMP. This shall be achieved in 2030, the carrier confirms.
Heiner Siegmund
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