Partners launch first zero-emission air freight route

TO support the industry’s carbon reduction targets, Kuehne+Nagel and Air France KLM Cargo have launched the first carbon neutral air freight lane between North America and Europe.

Proactively addressing its carbon footprint, the year-round transportation of all Kuehne+Nagel cargo onboard regular AFKLM flights from Los Angeles to Amsterdam will be fully fuelled by 100% sustainable aviation fuel.

This first carbon-neutral lane underlines the strong sustainability programs of both partners, Kuehne+Nagel’s Net Zero Carbon program and AFKLM’s cargo SAF program.

Yngve Ruud, member of the management board of Kuehne+Nagel, responsible for air logistics, said, “The first zero emission route marks the beginning of our journey into CO₂ neutral air freight and is another step towards achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2030.

“At Kuehne+Nagel, we are ready to take leadership and responsibility for the next generation of air transport and encourage our customers and industry colleagues to join us in making sustainable choices available.”

Adriaan den Heijer, executive vice president Air France-KLM Cargo, said, “The launch of an air cargo SAF program is an important step in our ambitious sustainability roadmap for the coming years.

“We are extremely pleased with the willingness and concrete commitment of our partner Kuehne+Nagel to actually shape our common ambition for a more sustainable future. I look forward to other partners joining our SAF program soon.”

With the chemical and physical characteristics almost identical to those of conventional jet fuel, SAF is the most effective measure the industry has to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

To ensure the lane is fully carbon neutral, all CO₂ emissions generated during the production, processing and transportation of SAF will be offset by Kuehne+Nagel.