DHL Express has announced two strategic collaborations with bp and Neste. More than 800 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from waste oils will be provided to DHL Express within the next five years.
These deals, together with the previously announced SAF introduction in the DHL network in San Francisco, East Midlands and Amsterdam, will exceed 50 per cent of DHL Express’ target to reach 10 per cent SAF blending for all air transport by 2026, the company said.
DHL expects the strategic collaborations to save approximately two million tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the aviation fuel lifecycle – equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 400,000 passenger cars.
“As the world’s leading logistics provider, it is our commitment to provide green and more sustainable solutions for our customers,” said Deutsche Post DHL Group’s CEO Frank Appel. “The landmark SAF deals with bp and Neste mark a significant step within the aviation industry and validate the framework of our sustainable roadmap. Using SAF is currently one of the aviation industry’s key routes to reducing CO 2 emissions over the aviation fuel lifecycle with currently available aircraft types.”
Air bp’s SVP Martin Thomsen commented: “We are proud to complete this important deal which further deepens our strategic relationship with Deutsche Post DHL Group. 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 realise its lower carbon ambitions.”
DHL Express’ CEO John Pearson said: “With every SAF deal, we are increasingly aware of the huge task that lies ahead in utilising more 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. The new SAF deals with bp and Neste are milestones 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.”
Neste’s president and CEO Peter Vanacker commented: “This milestone agreement, our largest ever for SAF, 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. Today’s announcement also reflects how we are concretely helping customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tons of CO2 annually by 2030. SAF is a cornerstone of the aviation industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It requires a joint effort across the aviation value chain with all stakeholders, using all available raw materials and solutions, to reach that goal.”
