Global transport and logistics company Kuehne+Nagel announced today that it has joined the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program, and that the companies have launched the first carbon neutral air freight lane between North America and Europe.

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo announced the launch of program last month, in a first for the world airfreight industry, aimed at enabling freight forwarders and shippers to participate in reducing CO₂ emissions of the aviation sector. The SAF program enables shippers and forwarders to operate flights with a percentage of SAF, with customers determining their own level of engagement and Air France KLM Cargo ensuring that customers’ entire investment is used for sourcing SAF. Customers receive a third-party audited report, justifying the purchased volume of SAF in relation to traffic and indicating the reduction in CO₂ emissions achieved.

Under the new agreement announced today, all Kuehne+Nagel cargo on board regular AFKLM flights from Los Angeles to Amsterdam will be fully fuelled by SAF.

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 and Managing Director Martinair, said:

“The launch of an air cargo SAF programme 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 programme soon.”