To support the industry’s carbon reduction targets, Kuehne+Nagel and Air France KLM Cargo have launched the first carbon-neutral air freight lane

between North America and Europe.

In a statement, Kuehne+Nagel said this first carbon-neutral lane underlines the strong sustainability programmes of both partners — its own "Net Zero Carbon" programme and AFKLM’s cargo SAF programme, which aim to connect people and goods through sustainable logistics.

The transport and logistics company said it is "proactively" addressing its carbon footprint, the year-round transportation of all Kuehne+Nagel cargo on board regular AFKLM flights from Los Angeles to Amsterdam will be fully fuelled by SAF.

"The first zero-emission route marks the beginning of our journey into CO2 neutral air freight and is another step towards achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2030," said Yngve Ruud, member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for Air Logistics.

Adriaan den Heijer, executive vice president Air France-KLM Cargo and Managing Director Martinair noted that the launch of an air cargo SAF programme is an important step in the carrier's ambitious sustainability roadmap for the coming years.

With the chemical and physical characteristics almost identical to those of conventional jet fuel, the airline said SAF is the most effective measure the industry has to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

"To ensure the lane is fully carbon neutral, all CO2 emissions generated during the production, processing and transportation of SAF will be offset by Kuehne+Nagel supporting carbon reduction projects that carry the highest quality certification — Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and/or  Gold Standard (GS)," it added.