DHL And Cosmo Oil Launch Asia’s First SAF-Powered Flights

DHL Express has made a major jump in its sustainability journey by entering a historic partnership with Cosmo Oil Marketing Co., Ltd. to purchase 7.2 million liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) per annum, starting from April 2025. This deal sets the precedent of Asia's first SAF-powered regular cargo service for international express shipping, and DHL takes the lead to be at the forefront of green aviation in the region. The deal marks a major milestone in DHL's commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and sets a new standard for the logistics industry in Asia.

The SAF will be manufactured by Saffaire Sky Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Cosmo Energy Holdings Co., Ltd., at a new mass production facility that is expected to come onstream in 2025. The SAF will be supplied to Central Japan International Airport (Nagoya Airport), the first airport in Asia to use SAF within DHL's global network. DHL's cargo flights will cut a significant portion of the greenhouse gases that emit, which goes well with DHL's greater aim of sustainability, as well as the worldwide quest to make aviation less reliant on fossil fuel.

According to President of DHL Express Japan Tony Khan, the partnership is crucial because it has made DHL the first international express provider in Japan to utilize locally manufactured SAF in its business. He said, "SAF is one of the most efficient solutions to lower greenhouse gas emissions in air transport, and it underlines the commitment of DHL to deliver emission-reduced shipping solutions to its customers. The introduction of SAF into DHL's Japanese operations is a significant step towards achieving the company's ambitious sustainability targets.".

The head of Cosmo Oil Marketing, Koji Moriyama, also expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, stating how important SAF was in decarbonizing the aviation sector. "I am honored to be part of supporting DHL Express and its customers to reduce carbon footprints and progress toward a more decarbonized society," he said. As part of the deal, DHL sold emission reductions of the SAF to be tracked by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) Credit Transfer System, making it credible and transparent. It would thus contribute to the ability to demonstrate that the efforts by DHL actually help the environment and not only benefit the company itself but also the customers that have an interest in reducing their own carbon emissions.

The Asia network of DHL gets the SAF introduction. This move is in line with the company's umbrella of strategy intended to expand the network, which is part of its overall vision: to sell its GoGreen Plus service, allowing DHL's customers to offset Scope 3 emission by using of SAF. DHL has already utilized SAF at several key airports in Europe and in the U.S, such as Amsterdam, Los Angeles, and Miami, and with Japan joining, it will further reinforce its green logistics network. For sustainability, the company has gone beyond just SAF as it transitions to electrified delivery vehicles, introduces carbon-neutral facilities, and streamlines its logistics process to become even more efficient.

DHL's focus on green logistics aligns with its broader net-zero goals, which include achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To reach this ambitious target, the company is integrating SAF into its air transport operations, expanding its electric vehicle fleet, and improving the sustainability of its infrastructure. The partnership with Cosmo Oil is a clear example of DHL's commitment to innovation and collaboration in tackling global environmental challenges. By working with industry leaders like Cosmo Oil, DHL is helping to drive the transformation of the aviation sector and the logistics industry as a whole.

The deal also reflects a growing recognition of the importance of SAF in reducing aviation emissions. As an alternative to conventional jet fuel, SAF is made from sustainable feedstocks and can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. The expansion of SAF production and its integration into DHL's operations represent a critical step in the aviation industry's efforts to meet international climate goals and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

DHL's efforts to decarbonize its operations are part of a broader trend within the logistics and transportation industries, where sustainability is becoming a key priority. The company is a role model for other companies in the industry, with the investment in SAF and commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Through the integration of SAF into air transport operations, DHL advances its own sustainability agenda while enabling its customers to achieve their environmental goals. This partnership between Cosmo Oil and DHL is a historical moment in DHL's further journey toward becoming a more sustainable future, one that will revolutionize the worldwide logistics industry as a whole.

Conclusion

For DHL Express and Cosmo Oil, therefore, this introduction of SAF will be a turning point in furthering the direction of the efforts of the firm to lead towards sustainable logistics. By integrating SAF into its cargo flights and expanding its GoGreen Plus service, DHL is helping to drive the adoption of greener practices in the aviation industry. With its ambitious net-zero goals and ongoing sustainability initiatives, DHL is not only making a positive impact on the environment but also setting a strong example for others to follow.