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DHL Express and the Cathay Group have joined forces to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption in Asia. DHL will receive 2,400 metric tonnes of SAF for flights operated by Air Hong Kong out of Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, and Singapore Changi airports, marking a major step in low-carbon corporate aviation.
These SAF-powered flights are expected to reduce 7,190 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to over 100 freighter flights between Hong Kong and Singapore.
Why Sustainable Aviation Fuel Matters for Corporate and Private Aviation
SAF currently accounts for less than 1% of global jet fuel usage, but it is critical for reducing aviation’s environmental impact.
For Air Hong Kong, this represents the first SAF uplift, demonstrating a significant shift toward eco-friendly private jet and cargo operations in Asia.
Leadership Driving Green Aviation
Peter Bardens, DHL Express Senior VP for Network Operations & Aviation – Asia Pacific:
“Expanding our SAF usage in Asia with Cathay is an important step to drive momentum in SAF production and demand.”
Tom Owen, Director of Cathay Cargo:
“SAF is a core pillar of our carbon-reduction strategy. Collaboration with forward-thinking partners like DHL Express is essential to scaling SAF across Asia.”
Expanding SAF Across the Region
This initiative builds on Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme, launched in 2022, which has already enabled over 6,000 tonnes of SAF across 16 corporate partners, including HSBC, AIA, and Standard Chartered.
Cathay has secured additional SAF supply from Sinopec in Hong Kong and SK Energy in South Korea (2025–2027), ensuring regional availability and price stability. DHL continues global SAF expansion through agreements with Neste, Cosmo Oil, BP, and World Energy, supporting sustainable corporate and private aviation practices.
Implications for Private Jet Charter Clients
At JETBAY, we monitor developments in sustainable aviation that impact both corporate and private jet operations. Initiatives like the DHL-Cathay SAF partnership illustrate how low-carbon flight solutions are gaining momentum, offering operational efficiency alongside environmental benefits.
Whether booking a private jet charter for business or leisure, awareness of SAF adoption helps clients make informed, eco-conscious travel decisions.
Source:
"DHL and Cathay Group Collaborate on Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Drive Green Logistics in Asia", Travel and Tour World.