DB Schenker has joined Cathay’s Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme, becoming its largest participant to date. This commitment signifies a major step forward in the aviation industry’s pursuit of sustainability, with DB Schenker aiming to significantly reduce its carbon emissions through air cargo operations. Launched in 2022, Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme allows members to purchase SAF for use on Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo flights from various ports, including Hong Kong. This initiative directly addresses climate change by promoting the use of a cleaner fuel alternative. DB Schenker’s pledge to buy 878 tonnes of SAF, equivalent to about 290,000 US gallons, reinforces its dedication to reducing environmental impact. This commitment builds upon their initial use of SAF in 2020, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to sustainable practices.
SAF is crucial for the aviation industry’s efforts to lower emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Cathay Pacific has pledged that 10% of its fuel consumption will come from SAF by 2030. This initiative complements Cathay Cargo’s Fly Greener programme, which supports carbon offsetting through Gold Standard certified projects. The Cathay Group recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Singapore Airlines to collaborate on promoting SAF development and adoption in the Asia Pacific region, underscoring SAF’s essential role in aviation decarbonisation. Cathay Cargo has also ordered new Airbus A350F freighters, which offer improved fuel efficiency.
Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “We are delighted to welcome DB Schenker as the newest member of the Cathay Corporate SAF Programme – and the biggest contributor 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 decarbonising 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.”
Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air and Ocean Freight at DB Schenker, echoed this sentiment, adding: “By partnering with Cathay Pacific 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 has collaborated with various fuel suppliers to incorporate SAF at its Hong Kong hub and other ports within its network. The SAF used in the agreement with DB Schenker is produced from waste cooking oil and animal fats. Through this programme, Cathay provides members with documentation to verify their Scope 3 emissions reductions from flights using SAF. Depending on the feedstock and production process, SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 80% on a life-cycle basis compared to traditional jet fuel.
