A partnership has signed a purchase agreement that will introduce the first use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and by extension France.
DHL Express and TotalEnergies, a global integrated multi-energy company, have signed the agreement to decarbonise international air transportation of parcels.
This initial phase covers 5 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel over the course of one year. The first DHL aircraft powered with SAF has already taken off from Paris CDG.
Philippe Prétat, CEO of DHL Express France, said: “Five years ago, the opening of our Paris Charles de Gaulle Hub marked a major milestone in the development of DHL Express in France.
“By becoming the first express operator to use SAF at Paris CDG Airport, we are demonstrating that world-class international logistics performance and a reduced carbon footprint can go hand in hand.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting French businesses in their global trade activities while contributing to the transformation of our industry.”
For DHL in France, this initiative is expected to reduce CO₂e emissions by approximately 11,800 metric tons annually.
The SAF-powered flights will operate from the DHL Paris Charles de Gaulle Hub to the company’s air hubs in Leipzig, Casablanca, Milan, and London.
Mathieu Soulas, director of new mobilities at TotalEnergies, said: “TotalEnergies is fully committed to supporting the aviation sector in reducing its carbon footprint.
“Sustainable Aviation Fuels are a key lever for reducing aviation emissions today. They contribute both to our customers’ decarbonisation efforts and to the industrial transformation of our refineries.
“This agreement with DHL strengthens our partnership and reflects our shared determination to accelerate the development and adoption of SAF.
“SAF represents a genuine growth industry that supports the energy transition of both aviation and industry.”
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