DHL Express announced that it signed a deal with BP and Nester to provide 800 million liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) over the next five years marking a significant step towards its decarbonization goals.

DHL said the new strategic collaborations form one of the largest SAF deals in aviation to date.

These deals, together with the previously announced SAF introduction in the DHL network in San Francisco (SFO), East Midlands (EMA), and Amsterdam (AMS), will exceed 50% of DHL Express' target to reach 10% SAF blending for all air transport by 2026.

DHL said it expects the deal to save approximately two million tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the aviation fuel lifecycle – equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 400,000 passenger cars.

"As the world's leading logistics provider, it is our commitment to provide green and more sustainable solutions for our customers. The landmark SAF deals with bp and Neste mark a significant step within the aviation industry and validate the framework of our Sustainable Roadmap," says Frank Appel, CEO Deutsche Post DHL Group.

"Using SAF is currently one of the aviation industry's key routes to reducing CO2 emissions over the aviation fuel lifecycle with currently available aircraft types," he added.

In its Sustainability Roadmap, Deutsche Post DHL Group has committed to using 30% of SAF blending for all air transport by 2030.

Both BP and Neste will provide SAF produced from waste oils. Such SAF from wastes and residues can provide greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 80% over its lifecycle compared with the conventional jet fuel it replaces, thereby reducing DHL's carbon footprint.

Call for SAF framework to boost supply

"With every SAF deal, we are increasingly aware of the huge task that lies ahead in utilizing more sustainable solutions to help our customers. Not a day goes by without our customers asking us about low-carbon logistics solutions and to partner them in our joint aspiration to be part of creating a more sustainable future," commented John Pearson, CEO DHL Express.

"Our key focus is to inspire more SAF suppliers to address the current supply gap. At the same time, we are calling on policymakers to set the right framework to accelerate the market ramp-up of SAF in the EU and worldwide, including an accounting mechanism that allows flexible SAF purchases and usage."

Peter Vanacker, president, and CEO of Neste noted that the "milestone agreement" with DHL "underlines the growing need and urgency" to act on aviation-related emissions.

"We are pleased to take this significant step together with DHL ... SAF is a cornerstone of the aviation industry's efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It requires a joint effort across the aviation value chain with all stakeholders, using all available raw materials and solutions, to reach that goal," Vanacker added.