Global Forwarder DB Schenker has become the biggest contributor to date to Cathay’s Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme. In joining, DB Schenker has committed to purchasing 878 tonnes of SAF for use on Cathay Cargo flights carrying its airfreight, and has taken a strong lead in mitigating the environmental impact of its logistics business. It joins existing Programme members and forwarders Dimerco Express Group, Kintetsu World Express and Yusen Logistics.

‘We are delighted to welcome DB Schenker as the newest member of the Cathay Corporate SAF Programme – and the biggest contributor so far,’ said Cathay Cargo Director Cargo Tom Owen. ‘It’s great to have this level of support from such an important player in the air-cargo industry to work with us in decarbonising aviation.’

Cathay Pacific has committed to using SAF in 10 per cent of its flight operations by 2030, ahead of the industry-wide aim of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 to address negative effects on climate change from its activities.

‘By partnering with Cathay Pacific on SAF, we are reinforcing our sustainability commitment and leadership in the skies,’ said Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air and Ocean Freight at DB Schenker. ‘The collaboration underlines our environmental stewardship in air cargo and supports the global push for SAF by increasing demand for it across more regions across the globe, which will ultimately contribute to a more sustainable future.’

DB Schenker has been an early adopter of SAF and started to uplift a proportion of SAF in its cargo flights from Frankfurt to Shanghai in 2020.

Cathay’s SAF Programme debuted in 2022 and is one of the cornerstones of the company’s sustainability efforts. It works by sourcing SAF from certified sources. Programme members commit to purchasing this fuel for flights carrying their cargo or for business travel. Cathay then issues verified certificates to help members account for their Scope 3 carbon emission reductions.

Using SAF can reduce more than 80% of lifecycle basis of carbon emissions, depending on the feedstock and technology used to produce it. DB Schenker’s purchase will use fuel derived from animal fats and waste cooking oil that would otherwise go to landfill.

Currently, the Corporate SAF Programme supports the uplift of SAF from Cathay’s home hub of Hong Kong, as well as from outports such as Singapore Changi Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.

‘By replacing conventional jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel, DB Schenker’s commitment is the equivalent of saving more than 2,600 tonnes in CO2 emissions,’ added Owen. ‘This powerfully conveys the message that there is real and growing demand for SAF and this partnership is testament to the collaborative ethos of Greener Together, as we move one step closer to the goal of a more sustainable air-cargo industry.’

Other than the Corporate SAF programme, Cathay’s carbon offset programme Fly Greener,  also seeks to offset the carbon emissions generated by cargo and passenger flights with credible and viable projects that genuinely make a difference to communities.