Kuehne+Nagel has partnered with Mercedes-Benz for the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in transport logistics.

Since 2019, Kuehne+Nagel has been supporting Mercedes-Benz's logistics chains to the US, including the plant in Alabama.

"Sustainable aviation fuel is used for the vehicle manufacturer's air freight transport, thus actively supporting Mercedes-Benz in decarbonising its supply chain," Kuehne+Nagel said, adding that with the use of SAF, Mercedes-Benz has been able to reduce around 11,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the past twelve months, compared to only using conventional fuels.

SAF was used on charter flights with Kuehne+Nagel's own Boeing 747-8F cargo aircraft 'Inspire' on the route from Stuttgart (Germany) to Birmingham (Alabama, USA).

"Our vision of becoming the most trusted logistics partner for a sustainable future by 2030 means that, as an industry leader, we take our responsibility to support our customers in reducing their CO2 emissions seriously," says Heiko Schuhmacher, senior vice president of Global Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel.

"We are proud that this pilot project has developed into a long-term collaboration in the spirit of decarbonisation with a strong partner," he added.

Jörg Burzer, member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Production, Quality and Supply Chain Management, said by using sustainable aviation fuel for air freight transport, Kuehne+Nagel can reduce emissions along its value chain and take an important step towards net carbon neutrality.

"We are delighted to reach another milestone in sustainable logistics together with our partner Kuehne+Nagel," Burzer added.