DHL and IAG Cargo Expand Sustainable Aviation Fuel Partnership to Reduce Air Freight Emissions Through 2030

DHL and IAG Cargo Expand Sustainable Aviation Fuel Partnership to Reduce Air Freight Emissions Through 2030

(IN BRIEF) DHL Group has expanded its partnership with IAG Cargo through a new five-year agreement to scale the use of sustainable aviation fuel, enabling the supply of approximately 240 million liters of SAF at London Heathrow Airport through 2030. The initiative is expected to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by around 640,000 tonnes of CO2e for DHL Express cargo transported on British Airways flights, with total reductions potentially exceeding 1 million tonnes when including DHL Global Forwarding agreements. The SAF, derived from sustainable sources such as used cooking oil, offers up to 90% emissions reduction compared to fossil fuels. The collaboration supports DHL’s goal of increasing SAF usage to 30% by 2030 and highlights the importance of long-term partnerships in advancing sustainable aviation and logistics solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, 14-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — DHL Group has expanded its collaboration with IAG Cargo through a new multi-year agreement focused on scaling the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The five-year deal, running through 2030, builds on an earlier renewal in 2025 and is expected to significantly reduce emissions associated with air freight operations.

Under the agreement, approximately 240 million liters of SAF will be supplied at London Heathrow Airport, supporting cargo transported by British Airways flights within IAG’s network. DHL Express will benefit from the lifecycle emissions reductions generated by around 40 million liters of SAF annually, contributing to a projected reduction of approximately 640,000 tonnes of CO2e.

The SAF used in the partnership is certified under International Sustainability & Carbon Certification standards and is produced from alternative feedstocks such as used cooking oil. Compared to conventional jet fuel, it delivers lifecycle emissions reductions of up to 90%, supporting efforts to lower the environmental impact of aviation while maintaining operational performance.

The collaboration is further strengthened by a framework agreement between DHL Global Forwarding and IAG Cargo, enabling a coordinated, group-wide strategy to secure sustainable fuel supply. When combined, these initiatives could drive total lifecycle emissions reductions exceeding 1 million tonnes of CO2e, reflecting a broader commitment to scaling sustainable logistics solutions.

Travis Cobb emphasized that the agreement enhances the company’s ability to reduce emissions across key trade routes while demonstrating the value of cross-industry collaboration in achieving measurable sustainability outcomes.

Camilo Garcia Cervera highlighted the importance of long-term partnerships in advancing the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and supporting more environmentally responsible air freight operations.

The expanded partnership addresses growing customer demand for lower-emissions transport solutions while ensuring a stable and predictable supply of SAF. It also aligns with DHL’s broader sustainability targets, including increasing the share of SAF in its air transport operations to 30% by 2030.

By securing long-term access to sustainable fuels, DHL and IAG Cargo are reinforcing their commitment to reducing aviation-related emissions and supporting the transition toward more sustainable global trade and logistics networks.

Notes to editors
*Sustainable aviation fuel is defined in the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation as aviation fuels that are either synthetic aviation fuels, aviation biofuels, or recycled carbon aviation fuels. SAF can reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions based on a life-cycle analysis compared to conventional jet fuel. Tailpipe emissions are not reduced; rather, the reduction comes from the production process. While SAF is one approach to reducing aviation emissions, there are remaining challenges in scaling its production and availability. This means that SAF is currently at least 3 to 4 times more expensive than fossil jet fuel. Today, just a very small part of the fuel used by commercial airlines is SAF. The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation promotes the increased use of SAF to decrease aviation’s greenhouse gas emissions. The measure is part of the Fit for 55 package to meet the emissions reduction target of 55% by 2030. It sets requirements for aviation fuel suppliers to gradually increase the share of SAF blended into the conventional aviation fuel supplied at EU airports.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Dirk Heinrichs
Phone: +49 228 182-9944
E-mail: pressestelle@dhl.com
On the internet: group.dhl.com/press
Follow us at: twitter.com/DHLglobal

SOURCE: DHL Group