Strategic Alliance Between Kuehne+Nagel and SWISS Advances Market Introduction of Synthetic Aviation Fuels

Strategic Alliance Between Kuehne+Nagel and SWISS Advances Market Introduction of Synthetic Aviation Fuels

(IN BRIEF) Kuehne+Nagel and Swiss International Air Lines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen their cooperation on sustainable aviation, with a focus on synthetic aviation fuel produced by Synhelion. As part of the partnership, Kuehne+Nagel will purchase Synhelion SAF from SWISS for its air cargo shipments starting in 2027 under a five-year offtake agreement, providing planning certainty for scaling production and supporting the decarbonisation of air freight.

(PRESS RELEASE) SCHINDELLEGI, 16-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Kuehne+Nagel and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) have strengthened their long-standing strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at accelerating the adoption of more sustainable aviation solutions. The collaboration places a strong focus on supporting the market introduction of synthetic aviation fuels and advancing technologies that improve efficiency while reducing the environmental impact of air transport.

At the core of the agreement is a shared commitment to sustainable aviation fuel produced by Synhelion, a Swiss cleantech company that uses solar energy to generate renewable synthetic fuels, including solar jet fuel. To support the scaling of this emerging technology, Kuehne+Nagel, SWISS and its air freight division Swiss WorldCargo have entered into a long-term offtake arrangement that provides Synhelion with the planning security required to expand production and further develop its technology.

From 2027, Kuehne+Nagel will purchase Synhelion’s sustainable aviation fuel from SWISS under a five-year agreement covering its cargo shipments operated by Swiss WorldCargo. The initiative represents a concrete step in Kuehne+Nagel’s broader strategy to decarbonise logistics operations and enables customers to actively reduce the CO₂ footprint associated with air freight.

The agreement reflects a shared understanding that scaling synthetic SAF is essential to achieving the aviation industry’s climate objectives. By committing to long-term offtake volumes, the partners aim to help close the gap between innovation and commercial viability, while sending a clear signal to the market in support of next-generation sustainable fuels.

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.

Media Contact:

Dominique Nadelhofer
Global Head Corporate Communications
dominique.nadelhofer@kuehne-nagel.com
+41 44 786 95 26

Stephanie Gillespie
Air Logistics Communications
stephanie.gillespie@kuehne-nagel.com
+41 79 577 94 44

SOURCE: Kuehne+Nagel