Under the partnership, DHL’s GoGreen Plus program will enable Landmark Group to replace traditional fossil-based jet fuel with SAF produced from renewable feedstocks. DHL Express states that each tonne of SAF can lower lifecycle emissions by up to 80%, with all reductions verified and certified by SGS.

The agreement was formalized in Dubai by Mahmoud Haj Hussein, Country Manager of DHL Express UAE, and Rajesh Garg, Group Chief Financial Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer at Landmark Group. Haj Hussein said that “DHL has committed to investing €7 billion globally in climate-neutral logistics by 2030, and partnerships like this demonstrate how we’re translating that ambition into measurable action,” adding, “Landmark Group’s decision to adopt GoGreen Plus reflects how progressive enterprises are keen on moving the industry toward a net-zero future.” Garg noted that the move embeds sustainability more deeply into the group’s regional logistics footprint. “Our partnership with DHL marks an important step in reducing our Scope 3 emissions and advancing our decarbonization goals through credible solutions like Sustainable Aviation Fuel.”

The collaboration also aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. DHL and Landmark Group said tackling Scope 3 emissions remains one of the most difficult areas for retail supply chains, and that SAF provides an immediate and scalable option for reducing the carbon intensity of air freight. The partnership illustrates how retail logistics decarbonization is advancing through direct integration of lower-carbon fuels rather than relying on offsetting.

DHL Express is stepping up its regional decarbonization work as part of DHL Group’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions logistics by 2050. And with interest in low-carbon freight continuing to build, the company says it expects more businesses in the region to shift toward SAF-based options as they update their retail logistics decarbonization strategies.

Previously, the company split its operations across three sites at Frankfurt Airport. Fraport, the owner and operator of Frankfurt Airport, designed and built the airfreight warehouse to align with its customers’ needs.

Notably, the new facility has 24,500 square meters of warehouse space on a 55,000 square meter site. Overall, the warehouse has 54 gates and truck docks with associated roadways and maneuvering areas. Also, the facility has 25 parking spaces for trucks and 185 spaces for other vehicles. Out of the total parking spaces, 20 of these spaces are equipped with e-charging stations.

A large photovoltaic system is currently being built on the warehouse roof, with peak generation of two megawatts. Upon commissioning, the green energy produced will be utilised in the airport grid.  Fraport is seeking ESG verification for the EU taxonomy, as well as gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) for its design and excellent sustainability performance. Flexible office and meeting spaces occupy 3,000 square meters.

Anke Giesen, Executive Director Retail and Real Estate at Fraport AG, says: “The launch of full operations by DHL Global Forwarding at the state-of-the-art airfreight warehouse is a major milestone in the ongoing development of Frankfurt Airport as an airfreight hub. Under the CargoHub Masterplan, Fraport aims to increase cargo volumes at FRA by some 50 percent to around three million metric tons of airfreight per year. In this context, the new warehouse is a major project for Fraport’s real estate development team, and it’s now been completed on schedule.”

Additionally, DHL opens airfreight warehouse that will play a crucial role in handling the forecasted growth in the airfreight market. With its CargoHub Masterplan, Fraport AG is focusing on the expansion of Frankfurt as an airfreight hub over the coming years. The plan involves three key initiatives, including space optimization, space development, and digitization & process innovation. The blueprint shows Fraport continuing to develop Frankfurt Airport sustainably, aligning with freight demand. 

“At UPECA, we believe SAF is one of the most promising means of decarbonising long-haul flight,” said Kavan Jeet Singh, Chief Executive Officer of UPECA. “Ready for deployment in existing aircraft, it complements intensive efforts to transform aviation into a more sustainable industry. We are delighted to sign up for DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus and help contribute to a commercially-viable market for such renewable energies.”

Driving Decarbonisation with SAF

Pioneer in worldwide express logistics, the GoGreen Plus service lets consumers offset Scope 3 carbon emissions by using SAF adoption.   Since SAF uses sustainable feedstocks like used cooking oil, it lowers lifecycle carbon emissions by 80% than conventional jet fuel.

GoGreen Plus by UPECA affects its global trading routes since subscription to it includes major marketplaces in Europe and North America.   This project supports initiatives to decarbonize aviation, which has become among the fastest-growing source of CO2e emissions globally, as the International Energy Agency underlines.

The shift to SAF will help to realize the ambitious target of 50% SAF use in global aviation fuel consumption by 2025.

A Global Commitment to Cleaner Air Mobility

Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, underlined the significance of SAF adoption:
“SAF is an important lever for achieving cleaner air mobility, but there remains progress to be made on the production and adoption fronts. Having UPECA onboard demonstrates an increasing shift among businesses to explore innovative pathways for a green transition in their operations. These collaborations are essential as we continue to promote SAF accessibility and affordability at the pace needed to address current climate challenges.”

GoGreen Plus: A Milestone for Sustainable Air Freight

The GoGreen Plus service started in 2023 and is made possible by partnerships with bp, Neste, and World Energy. These partnerships secure over 1.46 billion liters of SAF.   70% of the DHL Group’s carbon emissions come from its air freight network. To reduce emissions, transportation companies are focusing on environmentally friendly air transport options.

The relationship between Senior Aerospace UPECA and DHL shows that businesses are becoming more determined to find new and long-lasting ways to deal with climate change. This will help the aviation industry become more environmentally friendly.

With plans to enter new markets and strengthen its footprint in existing ones, Castlery is poised for significant growth in the coming years. As Castlery scales globally, the partnership with Maersk will be instrumental in supporting this next phase of growth. Maersk will provide end-to-end logistics solutions, covering ocean freight, intermodal transportation, and distribution, alongside strategically located warehousing in key markets. This ensures supply chain resilience, efficiency, and sustainability – key pillars in today’s unpredictable global environment – while enabling Castlery to deliver its furniture swiftly and reliability to customers worldwide.

“Our goal is to bring Castlery’s brand of thoughtfully designed, high-quality furniture to homes around the world. But scaling a brand globally requires more than just great products – it demands a logistics network that is agile, efficient, and future-ready. This long-term partnership with Maersk gives us the certainty to grow, while demonstrating our commitment to delivering a seamless experience for our customers”, Declan Ee, Co-founder of Castlery.

The collaboration builds on years of working together, with Maersk’s solutions contributing to the optimisation of Castlery’s supply chain operations, inventory management, and last-mile logistics. With the introduction of Maersk’s new network under the Gemini Cooperation, Castlery is set to benefit from enhanced reliability and improved delivery lead times, allowing for leaner inventory and better cost efficiencies.

“We have worked hard to create an integrated one-stop logistics service model that unlocks value across Castlery’s supply chain. We are thrilled to continue supporting their growth ambitions in different parts of the world by playing our part as a reliable logistics partner to ensure Castlery’s furniture reaches their end consumers timely and seamlessly. This new agreement signals the success of our partnership, which we are confident to grow further over the next decade,”Elaine Low, Area Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Maersk.

Provided through the DHL GoGreen Plus service, SAF is used as a substitute to conventional fuel and can readily be used as a drop-in replacement in aircraft without the need for modifications to aircraft engines. Produced from waste and residue-based feedstock, such as used cooking oil, SAF has improved sustainability compared to traditional fossil jet fuel which is primarily derived from crude oil.

Reducing the GHG emissions associated with the transport of medicinal products is an important part of AstraZeneca’s wider sustainability strategy. This includes a focus on partnerships across the healthcare sector including supply chain decarbonisation. From 2030, the aim is to halve the entire value chain footprint (absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions), from a 2019 base year, on the way to becoming science-based net zero by 2045. 

Sylvia Kiely, Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Product Strategy Lead, Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease said: “Moving our air freight to Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an important milestone in reaching our Scope 3 targets, with the ambition of being science-based net zero by 2045. Through our partnership with DHL Express we’ve signed up immediately to a 100% change in fuel, rather than scaling up over time, which demonstrates how seriously we take environmental stewardship.”

Brian Murray, Commercial & Same Day Director, DHL Express Ireland said: “We are thrilled to partner with Alexion. Our GoGreen Plus service using emission-reduced Sustainable Aviation Fuel demonstrates the tangible impact of collaborative efforts to decarbonise the logistics industry and support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals. This initiative aligns perfectly with DHL’s sustainability strategy and our goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Countries receiving the medicines under the GoGreen Plus service include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Guernsey, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom.

DHL Group has set a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in logistics by 2050. To this end, the company has also defined interim targets for 2030, which include electrifying two-thirds of its last-mile delivery fleet and increasing the use of sustainable fuels across all modes of transport to more than 30%, with SAF being a key component. Neste, a global leader in producing renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, will play a critical role in supporting DHL on this journey. 

As part of the collaboration, DHL and Neste plan to develop a commercial model enabling the gradual adoption of approximately 300,000 tons of neat (unblended) SAF annually by DHL by 2030. This will not only help DHL achieve its air transportation emission reduction targets but also allow for the sale and purchase of additional SAF volumes. The companies will also explore ways to incorporate renewable diesel into DHL’s operations to meet its road transportation decarbonization goals. 

“The signing of this agreement with Neste is a significant step in our strategy to achieve net-zero-emission logistics by 2050. By closely collaborating with a leading producer of renewable fuels, we can further advance on our interim targets. Together with Neste, we will develop innovative solutions that support our own sustainability goals and eventually also those of our customers,” said Yin Zou, EVP Corporate Development DHL Group.

“We are looking forward to further strengthening our existing cooperation with DHL Group through a holistic, joint approach to tackling GHG emissions in transportation. This gives us a chance to support DHL as a frontrunner in its field with our renewable fuels, which provide a solution to reduce GHG emissions on the road as well as in the air,” says Carl Nyberg, Senior Vice President Commercial, Renewable Products at Neste. 

DHL and Neste have already collaborated successfully for several years, particularly in delivering SAF for the aviation sector. They have also jointly supported the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) in the development and testing of the ISCC Credit Transfer System. This system allows airlines, logistics providers, and end customers, such as corporations, to credibly track and report emission reductions achieved through SAF usage, enabling a measurable impact on reducing carbon footprints in freight and air travel. 

This strengthened collaboration marks another important step in DHL Group’s commitment to building a more sustainable and environmentally friendly logistics network. 

What is Air Freight?

Air freight refers to the transportation of goods via aircraft, and it is primarily used to move high-value, perishable, or urgent cargo across the globe. While often more expensive than sea or land freight, air freight provides the critical benefit of significantly faster transit times. This is particularly valuable for businesses that operate on tight schedules or require products to reach their destination without delay.

Companies that rely on air freight typically do so to meet market demands, fulfill customer expectations for rapid deliveries, or ship goods that cannot tolerate lengthy transit times, such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, or luxury items.

How Does Air Freight Work?

The process of air freight begins with the shipper booking a shipment through a freight forwarder or carrier. The goods are carefully packed, labeled, and prepared according to air cargo regulations to ensure compliance. Necessary documentation, such as an air waybill, must also be completed before the cargo is transported to the airport.

Once at the airport, the cargo undergoes rigorous security checks before being loaded onto a commercial airplane or a dedicated cargo aircraft. After the flight, the shipment arrives at the destination airport, where it goes through customs clearance, if necessary, before being delivered to its final destination.

Types of Air Freight Services

Depending on the specific needs of a shipment, different air freight services are available to cater to varying timelines and budgets. The most common options include:

• Standard Air Freight: This service is typically used for non-urgent shipments that need to arrive within a few days. While not as fast as expedited services, standard air freight is a reliable choice for international trade, offering a balance between speed and cost.
• Expedited Air Freight: For shipments that need to arrive as quickly as possible, expedited air freight offers faster transit times, often within 1-2 days depending on the destination. This service comes at a higher price but is essential for meeting tight deadlines.
• Freight Forwarding Services: Freight forwarders specialize in coordinating air freight shipments by acting as intermediaries between the shipper and the airline. They handle all the logistics, from booking and documentation to ensuring smooth transit and delivery.

Air Freight vs. Other Shipping Methods

While air freight is renowned for its speed, it’s important to understand how it compares to other shipping methods, such as sea or land freight, in terms of cost, efficiency, and suitability.

• Air vs. Sea Freight: Sea freight is a cost-effective solution for bulk shipments and large volumes of goods. However, it can take weeks for shipments to reach their destination, making it unsuitable for time-sensitive cargo. In contrast, air freight can deliver goods in a matter of hours or days, making it the go-to option for businesses that prioritize speed.
• Air vs. Land Freight: Land freight, such as trucking, is more economical for domestic shipments and is ideal for short to medium distances. However, for long-distance or international shipments, air freight offers a much faster alternative, especially for goods that need to cross oceans.

Air Freight Costs

Several factors impact the cost of air freight, making it a more expensive option compared to other forms of transportation. These factors include:

• Weight and Volume: Charges for air freight are typically calculated based on either the weight or the dimensional weight of the shipment, whichever is higher. This means that even lightweight but bulky goods may incur significant costs.
• Fuel Costs: As with any transportation method, fuel costs can have a considerable impact on air freight Fluctuations in global oil prices can lead to variations in shipping costs.
• Shipping Distance: The farther the distance, the higher the cost. Additionally, international air freight often comes with extra charges for customs clearance, duties, and taxes.

Documentation and Customs

When shipping goods internationally by air freight, it’s essential to have the correct documentation in place to ensure smooth transit and customs clearance. The most commonly required documents include:

• Air Waybill: This document acts as a contract between the shipper and the carrier and includes essential details such as the origin, destination, and handling instructions for the shipment.
• Commercial Invoice: This outlines the value of the goods being shipped and is used by customs authorities to determine duties and taxes.
• Packing List: A detailed breakdown of the contents of the shipment, including the weight and dimensions of each package, is often required for customs purposes.

Once the shipment arrives at its destination, it must clear customs before being delivered to the consignee.

Advantages of Air Freight

Businesses choose air freight over other shipping methods for several compelling reasons:

• Speed: The primary advantage of air freight is its unmatched speed. While sea or land freight may take days or weeks, air freight can deliver goods within hours or days, making it ideal for just-in-time delivery systems.
• Global Reach: Air freight services operate on a global scale, allowing businesses to easily access international markets and customers in far-flung regions.
• Security: Airports and air cargo facilities have strict security protocols, making air freight one of the safest modes of transportation. This is especially important for high-value or sensitive goods that require careful handling.

Conclusion

Air freight plays an integral role in the modern logistics landscape, providing businesses with a fast and reliable method for transporting goods across long distances. Although it may come at a higher cost compared to other shipping methods, the speed and efficiency of air freight make it the preferred option for time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable goods. By understanding how air freight works, the associated costs, and the various service options available, companies can make informed decisions that optimize their supply chain and meet growing consumer expectations for rapid delivery.

In an era where time is often the most critical factor, air freight continues to be a vital tool for businesses looking to maintain a competitive edge in global markets.

Technological Innovations Driving Airfreight Solutions

Technological advancements have revolutionized airfreight solutions, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving delivery times. One of the most significant innovations is the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) in airfreight operations. IoT devices allow for real-time tracking and monitoring of cargo, ensuring that sensitive goods, such as pharmaceuticals, remain within the required temperature ranges throughout transit. This capability reduces the risk of damage and ensures the safe and timely delivery of critical products.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have also transformed airfreight solutions by enabling predictive analytics to forecast demand and optimize flight schedules. These technologies help reduce fuel consumption, lower costs, and minimize environmental impact, aligning with growing global concerns about sustainability. Additionally, blockchain technology plays a key role in enhancing the transparency and security of supply chains by providing a tamper-proof system for tracking and documenting cargo movements.

For example, automated cargo handling systems are now commonly used in airports, minimizing human error and speeding up the loading and unloading processes. This automation helps maintain tight schedules and reduce delays, further improving the reliability of airfreight solutions.

Strategic Partnerships and Network Optimization

The success of airfreight solutions often depends on strategic partnerships and the optimization of global logistics networks. Collaborations between airlines, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers enable companies to create integrated networks that facilitate seamless global trade. These partnerships lead to the sharing of resources, infrastructure, and knowledge, ultimately driving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

By partnering with regional carriers, companies can extend their reach into remote locations, ensuring timely and efficient delivery even in hard-to-access areas. Hub-and-spoke models are also commonly used in airfreight solutions, allowing cargo to be consolidated and deconsolidated at central hubs. This optimizes the use of aircraft capacity and minimizes transit times, helping businesses stay competitive in the fast-paced world of international trade.

Digital platforms have become indispensable tools for managing modern supply chains, offering end-to-end visibility and enabling real-time tracking, demand forecasting, and route optimization. For example, strategic partnerships in the airfreight industry have led to the development of advanced platforms that allow stakeholders to monitor shipments, manage inventory, and streamline customs processes. These capabilities improve the overall efficiency of airfreight solutions, ensuring goods reach their destinations on time and without unnecessary delays.

Addressing Environmental Sustainability in Airfreight

As global awareness of environmental sustainability grows, the airfreight industry is adopting various initiatives to minimize its carbon footprint. One of the primary approaches involves the use of more fuel-efficient aircraft and the integration of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). These innovations reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the development of greener airfreight solutions.

In addition to more efficient aircraft, optimizing flight routes and implementing efficient load management practices can significantly reduce fuel consumption. AI-driven algorithms help carriers identify the most efficient routes, reducing unnecessary fuel burn and emissions. On the ground, many airports are transitioning to electric ground support equipment, further decreasing the carbon emissions associated with airfreight operations.

Airfreight providers are also working toward meeting international environmental standards, such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). By participating in carbon offset programs and reforestation projects, airfreight companies are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and contributing to global environmental goals.

Ensuring Compliance and Security in Airfreight Solutions

Compliance with international regulations and maintaining high-security standards are critical components of airfreight solutions. The transportation of goods, especially hazardous materials and pharmaceuticals, is governed by stringent frameworks set by organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Adhering to these regulations ensures the safety and integrity of goods in transit.

In addition to compliance, security measures are vital for protecting airfreight shipments from theft, terrorism, and other threats. Airports employ advanced screening technologies, such as X-ray scanners and explosive trace detectors, to ensure the safety of cargo. GPS tracking devices and tamper-evident seals further enhance security throughout the supply chain, providing real-time visibility and minimizing risks.

One notable advancement in securing airfreight solutions is the adoption of electronic air waybills (e-AWB). This digital alternative to traditional paper documentation reduces the risk of fraud and streamlines administrative processes. By eliminating paper-based errors and improving document accuracy, e-AWBs enhance both security and operational efficiency in airfreight logistics.

The Future of Airfreight: Innovations and Emerging Trends

Looking ahead, the future of airfreight solutions is poised for significant transformation, driven by new technologies and emerging trends. One of the most exciting developments is the rise of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for airfreight deliveries. Drones offer the potential to deliver goods to remote or hard-to-reach areas where traditional aircraft may not be feasible, opening new possibilities for faster and more efficient logistics.

Additionally, advances in cargo plane design are set to reshape the airfreight industry. Future aircraft will feature larger capacities, improved fuel efficiency, and electric or hybrid propulsion systems, contributing to more sustainable airfreight solutions. As e-commerce continues to grow, the demand for rapid and reliable airfreight services is increasing, further driving innovation in the industry.

AI and machine learning will play an even greater role in optimizing logistics operations in the years to come. From predictive maintenance of aircraft to dynamic route planning, these technologies will enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. Blockchain technology is also expected to revolutionize airfreight solutions by providing immutable and transparent records, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness throughout the supply chain.

Conclusion

In an increasingly interconnected world, the role of airfreight solutions in global trade cannot be overstated. The industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and a growing focus on environmental sustainability. By embracing innovations such as IoT, AI, and blockchain, airfreight providers are enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving the overall reliability of their services.

As international trade grows and customer demands for fast, reliable delivery intensify, the future of airfreight is poised for further innovation. Businesses that stay ahead of these trends and invest in cutting-edge airfreight solutions will be well-positioned to navigate the complexities of global logistics and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.