Kuehne+Nagel Partners with Natilus to Explore Integration of Blended-Wing-Body Aircraft into Air Logistics Operations

Kuehne+Nagel Partners with Natilus to Explore Integration of Blended-Wing-Body Aircraft into Air Logistics Operations

(IN BRIEF) Kuehne+Nagel and Natilus have announced a strategic partnership to explore the potential of integrating Natilus’s blended-wing-body aircraft into commercial air logistics. This collaboration aims to assess the operational feasibility, environmental impact, and economic benefits of these innovative aircraft, which promise to reduce fuel consumption by 30% and increase payload capacity by 40%. By leveraging Kuehne+Nagel’s air logistics expertise, the companies will work together to demonstrate the benefits of these aircraft in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing logistics efficiency for the freight industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) SCHINDELLEGI, 28-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics providers, has entered into a strategic partnership with Natilus, an aerospace manufacturer specializing in hyper-efficient blended-wing-body aircraft, to explore the environmental, economic, and operational implications of integrating Natilus’s innovative aircraft into commercial air logistics operations.

Through this collaboration, Kuehne+Nagel will leverage its deep expertise in the air logistics sector to assess the operational feasibility of implementing Natilus’s blended-wing-body aircraft. The partnership will focus on route modelling, emissions accounting, operational cost analysis, and direct engagement with the aviation industry to explore how these aircraft can be seamlessly integrated into existing logistics operations.

Natilus, the first company to commercialize blended-wing-body design, is developing a family of aircraft that promises to enhance aviation economics by reducing fuel consumption by 30% and increasing payload capacity by 40%. The companies will jointly evaluate how these aircraft can improve logistics efficiency, enhance service offerings, and reduce carbon emissions in freight forwarding.

Kuehne+Nagel has long been committed to incorporating sustainable practices into its operations and is actively exploring new technologies to reduce the environmental and economic impact of air freight. With over 400,000 customers worldwide, the logistics giant is at the forefront of seeking innovative solutions to drive sustainability in the logistics industry.

“At Kuehne+Nagel, sustainability in air freight logistics has always been a key focus, and our collaboration with Natilus represents another step in our commitment to exploring new technologies that make air cargo more environmentally friendly and cost-effective,” said Holger Ketz, SVP Network and Carrier Management Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel.

The partnership between Kuehne+Nagel and Natilus also includes a comprehensive assessment of potential CO2e emissions savings. The two companies will collaborate with selected air freight carriers to demonstrate the benefits of integrating blended-wing-body aircraft into existing fleets, helping the logistics industry understand the environmental and economic advantages of these aircraft.

“Our partnership with Kuehne+Nagel is a significant step forward in demonstrating the powerful benefits of blended-wing-body aircraft,” said Aleksey Matyushev, Co-Founder and CEO of Natilus. “Together, we aim to redefine logistics efficiency and sustainability, providing a blueprint for other companies in the logistics industry over the next decade.”

About Kuehne+Nagel

With more than 82,000 employees at almost 1,300 sites in close to 100 countries, the Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. Headquartered in Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is listed in the Swiss blue-chip stock market index, the SMI. The Group is the global number one in air and sea logistics and has strong market positions in road and contract logistics. Kuehne+Nagel is the logistics partner of choice for 400,000 customers worldwide. Using its global network, logistics expertise and data-based insights, the Group provides end-to-end supply chain solutions for global companies and industries.

About Natilus
Natilus is a San Diego-based company developing a family of hyper-efficient blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft designed to transport people and cargo more sustainably and efficiently than ever before. Natilus’s BWB aircraft unlock improved aviation economics by reducing fuel consumption by 30% while increasing payload capability by 40%. Founded in 2016, the Natilus team is comprised of innovators from General Atomics, Northrop Gruman, Skunkworks, SpaceX and Piper Aircraft.

Media Contact:

Stephanie Gillespie
Air Logistics Communication
Schindellegi, Switzerland
+41 (0)79 577 9444
Stephanie.gillespie@kuehnenagel.com

SOURCE: Kuehne+Nagel