DHL Express, a leading global express service provider, has signed a significant agreement with Neste, a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer, to promote low-emission air transport in Asia. Under the agreement, approximately 9.5 million liters (equivalent to 7,400 tons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel will be supplied to DHL Express in Singapore, starting from July 2025.
This is one of the largest SAF agreements in Asia for air cargo transportation by volume. The SAF, produced at Neste’s refinery in Singapore – currently the world’s largest SAF production facility, will meet about 35% to 40% of the total fuel needs for DHL Express’s 5 Boeing 777 aircraft operating at the South Asia Hub at Changi Airport. These aircraft operate 12 intercontinental flights per week, connecting Singapore with Asia and the Americas.
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The SAF agreement helps reduce emissions by up to 80% for intercontinental cargo flights from Changi Hub. Photo: Logistics Asia |
The SAF agreement helps reduce emissions by up to 80% for intercontinental cargo flights from Changi Hub. Photo: Logistics Asia
Christopher Ong, Managing Director of DHL Express Singapore, said, "Partnering with Neste to deploy SAF on international cargo flights departing from Singapore is a significant milestone. This helps us lead in sustainable logistics and expand our focus under Strategy 2030, where new energy is a priority area."
The SAF will be blended with conventional jet fuel and supplied through the existing fuel distribution system at Changi Airport. According to Neste, using Neste MY SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to fossil jet fuel.
This move also supports Singapore’s national SAF target of using 1% SAF for all flights departing from the country by 2026. Carl Nyberg, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Neste, stated, "This agreement demonstrates that SAF is now fully scalable and shows our commitment to supporting DHL in achieving its global emission reduction targets."
DHL is currently one of the largest users of SAF globally, with regular operations at major airports such as Amsterdam, Stockholm, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. In 2022, the company launched GoGreen Plus – the first international shipping service that allows customers to offset indirect (Scope 3) emissions through SAF using a transparently verified “book & claim” system (a mechanism for indirectly recording and verifying the use of sustainable fuel).
In Singapore, DHL Express is also investing heavily in green logistics, with 100 electric vehicles serving the last-mile delivery segment, creating the largest electric commercial van fleet in the country.
Hai My (Logistics Asia)
