A Milestone for Green Airfreight
DHL Express has taken a significant step toward decarbonizing air cargo by securing an agreement for over 7 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually in Japan. This deal, made with Cosmo Oil Marketing Co., Ltd., represents a crucial advancement in sustainable logistics and aligns with broader industry efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
Setting the Benchmark in Asia
This agreement, which comes into effect in April 2025, marks a first for the international express industry in Asia. The SAF, produced by Saffaire Sky Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd., will be supplied to Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya. Notably, this airport will be the first in Asia within DHL Express’s vast global network of over 500 airports to integrate SAF into its operations.
DHL Express is no stranger to SAF implementation. The company already sources sustainable fuel for its operations at key airports across Europe and North America, including Amsterdam Schiphol, Stockholm Arlanda, Brussels, multiple UK hubs, and several major US locations.
Industry Commitment to Carbon Reduction
The adoption of SAF is part of DHL’s broader GoGreen Plus initiative, which allows customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions via in-setting strategies. This approach is crucial for businesses looking to mitigate their indirect supply chain emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
Tony Khan, President and Representative Director of DHL Express Japan, emphasized the importance of this shift, stating:
“SAF is currently the most effective solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in air transport. Moving forward, as part of our responsibility to customers in Japan, we are committed to promoting emission-reduced shipping solutions and contributing to reducing the transport sector’s environmental impact.”
Beyond Japan, DHL Express continues to expand its SAF procurement strategy. Agreements with BP in the UK, Neste in Finland, and World Energy in the US further solidify its role as a frontrunner in sustainable air logistics. In a noteworthy move last year, DHL Express, alongside DHL Global Forwarding, signed an unprecedented 60-million-liter SAF deal with IAG Cargo, making it the largest agreement of its kind between an airline and a customer.
The Road Ahead for Sustainable Air Transport
SAF is gaining momentum globally as regulatory bodies and corporations align toward net-zero aviation goals. Policies like ReFuelEU Aviation and incentives for cleaner fuel alternatives are shaping the future of the sector. While SAF remains a premium alternative compared to conventional jet fuel, strategic investments and production scaling are expected to enhance its accessibility.
VURDHAAN recognizes the significance of such transitions and actively supports aviation stakeholders in navigating sustainability frameworks, including CORSIA, EU ETS, UK ETS, and the integration of SAF strategies. By leveraging AI-driven solutions such as its SustainBuddy Aviation Module, VURDHAAN helps businesses streamline compliance, optimize emissions reporting, and make informed decisions on sustainable fuel adoption.
Conclusion
DHL Express’s SAF commitment in Japan signals a transformative shift in regional air logistics, reinforcing the role of sustainable aviation fuel in reducing carbon emissions. As the industry continues to innovate and collaborate, the transition toward greener supply chains becomes increasingly tangible.
Stakeholders across the aviation sector must remain proactive in embracing SAF and other emission-reduction strategies. With expert guidance and digital sustainability solutions, the path to a cleaner, more efficient future in airfreight is within reach.