DHL, Cathay partner on SAF to cut air cargo emissions in Asia

DHL Express and the Cathay Group have signed a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the air cargo sector and accelerating SAF adoption in Asia. Under the agreement, Cathay will supply DHL Express with 2,400 tonnes of SAF for use on Air Hong Kong-operated flights departing from Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, and Singapore Changi airports.

The initiative, continuing through 2025, is projected to cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 7,190 tonnes — equivalent to over 100 Hong Kong–Singapore Airbus 330 freighter flights. Air Hong Kong, a wholly owned Cathay subsidiary, has been a cornerstone of DHL’s Asia Pacific network for more than two decades.

Peter Bardens, Senior Vice President for Network Operations & Aviation – Asia Pacific at DHL Express, said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to driving SAF production and demand. “Sustainable aviation fuel currently accounts for less than 1% of total global jet fuel consumption, yet air transport is one of our largest emission sources,” he noted. “Expanding SAF usage in Asia is critical to building a robust ecosystem.”

For Cathay, the agreement marks the first SAF uplift for Air Hong Kong flights, a milestone in its decarbonisation strategy. Tom Owen, Cathay’s Director Cargo, emphasised the importance of collaboration to make SAF more accessible and scalable in the region.

The deal adds DHL Express to Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme, which in 2024 enabled over 6,000 tonnes of SAF use with 16 partners. Both companies have been forging long-term SAF supply arrangements, with Cathay securing deals with Sinopec and SK Energy, and DHL partnering with global producers such as Neste, bp, and Cosmo Oil Marketing.

This latest collaboration aligns with DHL Group’s Strategy 2030 “green logistics of choice” pillar and supports its broader push into “New Energy” sectors, including alternative fuels and hydrogen logistics solutions.