Cathay Group announced on August 13 that it has entered into a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) partnership with DHL Express to reinforce their shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the air cargo sector.

Under the agreement, Cathay Pacific will supply DHL Express with 2,400 metric tonnes of SAF for international flights departing from three Asian airports: Seoul Incheon, Tokyo Narita, and Singapore Changi. These flights are operated by Cathay Group’s wholly owned subsidiary, Air Hong Kong, which primarily provides express cargo services for DHL Express.

The partnership is expected to cut approximately 7,190 tonnes of lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, equivalent to the emissions from over 100 Airbus A330 freighter flights between Hong Kong and Singapore. DHL Express Asia Pacific Senior Vice President Peter Bardens noted that SAF currently accounts for less than 1% of global aviation fuel use, yet air transport is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed that this collaboration is a key step in building a stronger SAF ecosystem in Asia and aligns with DHL’s “Strategy 2030” goal of making green logistics a core priority.

This deal builds on the long-standing cooperation between DHL Express and Cathay Group. Cathay sees the initiative as a milestone, marking the first use of SAF on Air Hong Kong flights, and part of its wider strategy to expand SAF adoption across its network. DHL Express, a global leader in SAF deployment, has also signed long-term agreements with suppliers including Neste, BP, and World Energy, further strengthening regional SAF demand and supply.