DB Schenker Signs Commitment to Significant Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Volume on Flights from Cathay

DB Schenker has officially announced its participation in Cathay's Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme, aiming to advance sustainability in the logistics industry by partnering to reduce emissions in cargo shipments.

To help tackle climate change, Cathay established a Corporate SAF Programme in 2022. It enables members to purchase SAF for uplift on Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo flights, from Hong Kong and other ports on the network. By joining and committing to buy 878 metric tons of SAF (the equivalent of 290,000 US gallons), DB Schenker has become one of the biggest contributors to the scheme to date, which demonstrates its commitment to sustainable logistics.

Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air and Ocean Freight at DB Schenker, said: "By partnering with Cathay on SAF, we are reinforcing our sustainability commitment and leadership in the skies. 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."

Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen added: "We are delighted to welcome DB Schenker as the newest member of the Cathay Corporate SAF Programme – and one of the biggest contributors to date. It is great to have this level of support from such an important player in the air cargo industry to work with us in decarbonizing aviation. 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. 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."

In the logistics sector, warehousing, packaging, and transportation consume large amounts of energy and generate significant greenhouse gases (GHG). Optimizing energy consumption to reduce carbon emissions is a pressing issue for logistics companies. 

Back in 2020, DB Schenker became the first company in the logistics industry to cover a commercial full charter round trip flight with SAF. As of spring 2021, all direct emissions of a weekly charter rotation between Frankfurt and Shanghai onboard Lufthansa Cargo were avoided by fully covering the fuel consumption with SAF. Since then, the global logistics service provider continued to push the boundaries of sustainability in air freight. The new collaboration with Cathay further expands DB Schenker’s network of biofuel partners. 

In total, DB Schenker's SAF program is available globally for all flights on all airlines and has attracted a wide range of customers including Lenovo and Nokia.

Sustainability focus aligns with Net Zero goals in Australia and New Zealand 

The Australian government has committed to a Net Zero Plan, guiding the country’s transition to a legislated target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. New Zealand has a similar 2050 Net Zero target. 

Daniel Andersen, Director, Air Freight, DB Schenker Australia & New Zealand Cluster, says the focus on reducing greenhouse gases in the air freight industry is integral, and requires collaboration between airlines and logistics companies, as well as their customers.

“This major partnership with Cathay on SAF opens the door to more sustainability collaboration in the region. SAF is available throughout Australia and New Zealand on DB Schenker air freight, for customers looking to elevate their contributions to a more sustainable aviation industry,” says Andersen.

About DB Schenker 

With around 72,700 employees at more than 1,850 locations in over 130 countries, DB Schenker is one of the world’s leading logistics service providers. The company operates land, air, and ocean transportation services, and it also offers comprehensive logistics and global supply chain management solutions from a single source. Aiming for a sustainable future of the logistics industry, DB Schenker continuously invests in innovative transport solutions, renewable energies, and low-emission products for its customers.