Logistics
K+N DELIVERS WORLD’S FIRST TRANSATLANTIC SHIPMENT ON A 100% SAF FLIGHT
November 30, 2023

Kuehne+Nagel said it delivered the world's first transatlantic shipment flown using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on November 28.

 

The flight by a commercial airline landed at New York JFK after its departure from London Heathrow.

 

In the announcement, Kuehne+Nagel said as part of its efforts, it secured the available cargo space on this SAF-powered flight and utilised the corresponding amount of SAF for the transported goods.

 

"This is a historic moment in our collective journey towards sustainable aviation, and we are very proud to represent the air cargo industry on the world's first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel transatlantic flight by a commercial airline. It is an honour to support this Virgin Atlantic-led consortium, pushing the boundaries of decarbonisation in aviation," said Yngve Ruud, a member of the management board of Kuehne+Nagel responsible for Air Logistics.

 

Kuehne+Nagel noted that it is committed to the science-based targets to decarbonise the logistics sector and drive the change towards a zero-carbon future.

 

The flight represents the next step in sustainable aviation by demonstrating the potential of using SAF as a 100% drop-in replacement for fossil fuel.

 

The Virgin Atlantic-led consortium, joint-funded by the UK Department for Transport, includes Rolls Royce, Boeing, the University of Sheffield, Imperial College London, and Rocky Mountain Institute.

 

The SAF used to power the two Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is produced by Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and Synthetic Aromatic Kerosine (SAK) at an 88% SAF and 12% SAK blend ratio.