Finnair, Yusen Logistics partner on sustainable aviation fuel

Finnair and Yusen Logistics have signed an agreement on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for air cargo, with Yusen Logistics contributing to SAF purchases to reduce scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions linked to cargo transported on Finnair-operated flights.

The agreement covers an initial one-year period, with an option for continuation, and reflects both companies' commitment to reducing the environmental impact of air freight.

For Yusen Logistics, the agreement will allow customers to access SAF-related environmental attributes through a Book-and-Claim mechanism while maintaining existing air freight services. Certificates and related reporting will provide customers with information on the environmental attributes allocated to them and support their sustainability objectives.

“Our customers increasingly expect practical solutions that support their efforts to address the environmental impact of their supply chains. Through our collaboration with Finnair, we can offer customers access to SAF-related environmental attributes through a Book-and-Claim mechanism while maintaining the service quality they require,” said Eisuke Fukagawa, Head of Air Freight Forwarding Unit, Yusen Logistics Global Management.

For Finnair Cargo, the agreement is a step towards increasing the use of SAF in air cargo and creating long-term demand for the fuel.

“We are pleased to see our customers making a long-term commitment to the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This multi-year agreement with Yusen Logistics is an important milestone in reducing the climate impact of air cargo and a concrete example of how customers and airlines can work together to accelerate the energy transition,” said Gabriela Hiitola, Senior Vice President, Finnair Cargo.

Hiitola said long-term demand for SAF could support the growth of its production and availability in the coming years, while encouraging other companies to explore how SAF can help reduce air cargo emissions.

SAF is an alternative to fossil fuels and is currently one of the tools available to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. While SAF and fossil jet fuel release similar amounts of CO2 during flight, SAF has a lower carbon footprint over its lifecycle. SAF is also compatible with existing aircraft and airport infrastructure.

In 2025, less than 1% of global jet fuel production was SAF, while SAF accounted for 1.6% of Finnair's total fuel consumption.

The agreement comes as both companies continue to expand their air cargo activities. Yusen Logistics has been investing in its air freight operations, including a partnership with cargo.one to modernise pricing, procurement, quoting and booking processes across its global network. More than 100 Yusen Logistics branches have gained access to real-time rates and service options through the platform.

Yusen Logistics is also expanding its cargo infrastructure at Brussels Airport, where a new 14,000-square-metre logistics facility is being developed for Yusen Logistics and Air Promotions Agencies. The facility is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will support Yusen's growth in pharmaceutical logistics.

Finnair Cargo has also been strengthening its regional network through local sales partnerships. In August 2026, it appointed ACP Worldwide as its GSSA in Australia and New Zealand ahead of its first Australia service, while in July it appointed 4RCargo as its GSSA for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

The Finnair-Yusen agreement was concluded with the support of Western Associate (WAI), Finnair's General Sales Agent in Japan.