DHL and IAG Cargo Cut 1 Million Tonnes of Emissions

The skies above London Heathrow Airport are about to get a lot cleaner, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between two cargo powerhouses.

DHL and IAG Cargo just signed a five-year agreement that will replace traditional jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on nearly all DHL Express cargo flights operated by British Airways. The deal covers 240 million liters of SAF through 2030, cutting lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 640,000 tonnes.

The partnership doesn't stop there. When you add in a separate framework agreement with DHL Global Forwarding, the total emissions reduction climbs past 1 million tonnes of CO₂. That's equivalent to taking over 200,000 cars off the road for a year.

The sustainable fuel comes from sources like used cooking oil and achieves a 90% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil jet fuel. It's certified by International Sustainability & Carbon Certification, ensuring the environmental benefits are real and verified.

What makes this deal special is its scope. The agreement covers nearly all fuel currently used to transport DHL Express cargo within IAG Cargo's network, making it one of the largest commercial SAF commitments in the air cargo industry.

Travis Cobb, EVP of Global Network Operations at DHL Express, called it proof of what's possible when committed partners pool their efforts. The cross-divisional approach between DHL Express and DHL Global Forwarding creates stable, long-term access to sustainable fuel that customers can actually rely on.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership sends a powerful signal to the entire aviation industry. By securing multi-year SAF agreements at this scale, DHL and IAG Cargo are helping create the predictable demand that sustainable fuel producers need to expand production.

The deal directly supports DHL's commitment to reach 30% sustainable aviation fuel use in air transport by 2030. More importantly, it shows other companies that large-scale emissions reduction isn't just possible, it's already happening.

For customers who want to reduce their shipping-related emissions, this agreement provides a credible, long-term solution backed by verified fuel sources and transparent reporting. The collaboration helps build the foundation for consistently lower-emissions air transport worldwide.

Major logistics players are proving that sustainability and global commerce can work together, one flight at a time.