Kuehne+Nagel, a global leader in logistics, today announced that it has successfully delivered the world's first transatlantic shipment on a 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)-powered flight. The historic flight, operated by Virgin Atlantic, departed from London Heathrow Airport and landed at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport on November 28, 2023.
This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone in Kuehne+Nagel's unwavering commitment to sustainability and its ongoing efforts to decarbonize the air cargo industry. The company secured the available cargo space on the flight and utilized the corresponding amount of SAF for the transported goods, demonstrating its dedication to using sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
"This is a historic moment in our collective journey towards sustainable aviation, and we are incredibly proud to be a part of it," said Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board of Kuehne+Nagel responsible for Air Logistics. "This flight represents a major step forward in our industry's efforts to reduce our environmental impact, and we are committed to continuing to lead the way in this critical endeavor."
Kuehne+Nagel is a signatory to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to aligning its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets with the latest climate science. As part of this commitment, the company is actively exploring and adopting sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) as a key strategy to decarbonize its air cargo operations.
SAFs are a type of aviation fuel derived from renewable sources, such as plant oils and agricultural waste. They offer a promising solution to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation, with the potential to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional fossil fuels.
The successful completion of the world's first transatlantic shipment on a 100% SAF-powered flight is a testament to Kuehne+Nagel's unwavering commitment to sustainability and its dedication to driving positive change in the air cargo industry. The company is committed to continuing to invest in and adopt sustainable solutions, such as SAFs, to create a more environmentally responsible future for air cargo transportation.
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