Cathay Pacific Airways (0293) has signed a cooperation agreement with logistics giant DHL Express to expand the production and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Asia, reports The Standard.
Under the deal, Cathay will supply DHL with 2,400 tonnes of SAF for cargo flights departing from Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, and Singapore Changi airports. These flights are operated by Air Hong Kong, a Cathay subsidiary that primarily handles express air services for DHL Express.
Peter Bardens, DHL’s Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific Network Operations and Aviation, said the logistics industry is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, with air transport being the largest contributor. He noted that SAF is the only practical short- to medium-term alternative and that the company is making active investments in its use.
The partnership is expected to cut around 7,190 tonnes of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions—equivalent to the emissions from over 100 Airbus A330 cargo flights between Hong Kong and Singapore.
Bardens added that while the effects of tariffs on the cargo market this year remain uncertain, DHL is committed to its long-term sustainability targets. The group plans to increase SAF use to 6 percent by the end of 2025, with a target of 30 percent by 2030.
Cathay pointed out that SAF costs about three times more than conventional jet fuel but said it will use its global network partnerships to secure the most competitive prices.
