As the global air cargo industry faces increasing environmental pressures, DHL has signed a landmark agreement with Finnish biofuel company Neste to accelerate the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The deal marks DHL's first direct procurement of 9.5 million liters of SAF produced at Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN), scheduled for use between July 2025 and June 2026.
This groundbreaking collaboration will enable DHL Express to power five Boeing 777 freighters operating from its SIN South Asia Hub with 35% to 40% SAF blend . These international flights, departing Singapore 12 times weekly to connect Asia with the Americas, represent a significant step forward in aviation's environmental sustainability efforts.
The agreement aligns with Singapore's governmental target of achieving 1% SAF usage across all passenger and cargo flights starting in 2026. DHL's commitment provides substantial support toward meeting this environmental benchmark.
Global Expansion of Sustainable Fuel Initiatives
DHL has been actively expanding its sustainable fuel programs worldwide, with major airports including Amsterdam Schiphol, Stockholm Arlanda, and Los Angeles International already participating in similar initiatives. These projects demonstrate the logistics giant's dedication to driving green transformation in global air transport through innovative environmental solutions.
A Model for Sustainable Aviation
The DHL-Neste partnership serves as an exemplary model for the air cargo industry, showcasing how corporate entities can demonstrate both potential and responsibility in addressing climate change. As SAF technology continues to advance and market conditions mature, the aviation sector appears poised for a greener future.
Industry experts emphasize that only through continuous innovation and collaboration can the aviation industry achieve its commercial objectives while supporting global environmental protection efforts, potentially ushering in a new era of sustainable aviation.