Finnair, DB Schenker to reduce GHG emissions
Finnair has set a target to reduce its carbon emissions intensity by 34.5% by 2033 from a 2023 baseline.
Finnair and DB Schenker have initiated their sustainability collaboration by signing an agreement for DB Schenker to purchase nearly 400 tonnes of scope 3 CO2e reductions, equaling approximately 120 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Finnair.
DB Schenker is not buying SAF directly. "Instead, by acquiring 400 tonnes of CO2e reductions from Finnair, the airline procures and utilises 120 tonnes of SAF from its fuel supplier," explains Mario Arnold, Head of Global Public Relations and Media Spokesperson, DB Schenker.
"We are committed to supporting our customers in decarbonising their supply chains. In the area of air freight, we offer emissions-reduced shipping from any airport to any airport, regardless of the airline. This is made possible through the virtual allocation of CO2e reduction certificates, which are based on the physical use of SAF. As part of this approach, we source emission reductions through SAF usage from partner airlines worldwide. Our purchase of 400 tonnes of CO2e reductions from Finnair Cargo is an example of this approach."
Both companies are committed to increasing the use of SAF to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to air cargo transport. SAF is a safe, certified and renewable alternative to fossil jet fuel that we can use today to reduce the climate impact of air cargo transport. SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent over the fuel’s life cycle compared to using fossil jet fuel, says a release from Finnair.
Finnair has set a science-based target to reduce its carbon emissions intensity (CO2e/RTK) by 34.5 percent by 2033 from a 2023 baseline, and is aiming towards net-zero emissions by 2050, the release added.
"Our toolkit for reaching the target comprises investing in sustainable aviation fuels beyond regulatory requirements, further improving operational efficiency, optimising our network and investing in new aircraft technology," says Gabriela Hiitola, Senior Vice President, Finnair Cargo. "This agreement with DB Schenker marks an important milestone in our decarbonisation efforts, and we are thrilled to partner with such a pioneering company, placing key focus on this important matter. The air freight industry needs to address the climate challenge together, and partnering with like-minded stakeholders within the value chain is essential."
Björn Eckbauer, Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Procurement Air, DB Schenker adds: "At DB Schenker, we recognise the urgency of decarbonising air freight and are committed to driving meaningful change within the industry. Our collaboration with Finnair marks another step in scaling sustainable aviation fuel use to significantly reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. By investing in SAF, we are not only reducing our own carbon footprint but also empowering our customers with low-carbon air freight solutions."
DB Schenker has been an early adopter of SAF since 2020 and seeks to steadily expand its portfolio of low-carbon air freight solutions to cargo shippers, the release added.
