Global logistics company, DHL Express, has announced one of the largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) deals after after signing two separate strategic agreements with bp and Neste. The two deals will see DHL source a combined volume of more than 800 million liters of SAF from both of the suppliers.
As part of its Sustainability Roadmap, Deutsche Post DHL Group has committed to using 30% of SAF blending for all air transport by 2030. bp will provide SAF produced from waste oils, which can provide greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 80% over its lifecycle compared with the conventional jet fuel it replaces, thereby reducing DHL’s carbon footprint.
Martin Thomsen, SVP, Air bp, says: “We are proud to complete this important deal which further deepens our strategic relationship with Deutsche Post DHL. As bp transitions to an integrated energy company, we are leveraging our value chain encompassing feedstocks, global production, logistics and airport infrastructure. Not many companies also have the trading and commercial expertise in SAF, needed to design and deliver solutions for complex customer needs.
“Our ambition is to work even more closely with airports and airlines on decarbonisation options, and we are promoting SAF at pace to support global aviation to realize its lower carbon ambitions.”
Neste and DHL have been working together since 2020 when DHL Express became the first cargo operator to use Neste MySAF on flights departing from San Francisco International Airport and Amsterdam Airport. In 2021 the two companies extended their cooperation to provide Neste’s SAF for DHL Express’ hub at the UK’s East Midlands Airport.
Peter Vanacker, President and CEO of Neste remarked that this latest “milestone” agreement, underlines the growing need and urgency – as well as the commitment – to act on aviation-related emissions. “We are pleased to take this significant step together with DHL, which shows the joint ambitions of both companies and is further progress in our journey towards creating a healthier planet for our children,” he said.
DHL Express transports more than 480 million urgent documents and packages annually across its global network of 220 countries and territories.
“With every SAF deal, we are increasingly aware of the huge task that lies ahead in utilizing alternative sustainable solutions to help our customers. Not a day goes by without our customers asking us about low-carbon logistics solutions and to partner them in our joint aspiration to be part of creating a more sustainable future”, says John Pearson, CEO DHL Express. “The new SAF deal with Neste is a milestone on this journey. Our key focus is to inspire more SAF suppliers to address the current supply gap. At the same time, we are calling on policy makers to set the right framework to accelerate market ramp up of SAF in the EU and worldwide, including an accounting mechanism that allows flexible SAF purchases and usage.”
