HONG KONG – Cathay Cargo held a special signing ceremony on October 8 at its Cathay City headquarters to officially welcome DB Schenker as the largest contributor to its Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme. This collaboration marks a major milestone in both companies’ efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation and logistics sectors.
The event was attended by Cathay Cargo Director Tom Owen and DB Schenker Vice President Global Carrier Relation Susanne Stemmer. DB Schenker’s contribution, which began in July 2024, positions the company as the biggest participant in the programme, having committed to purchasing 878 tonnes of SAF, the equivalent of 290,000 US gallons. This volume is expected to reduce over 2,600 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Commitment to Reducing Emissions
Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen expressed his enthusiasm for DB Schenker’s support, saying: “We are delighted to welcome DB Schenker here not only as the newest member of the Cathay Corporate SAF Programme but also as its biggest contributor. It is great to have this level of support from such an important player in the air cargo industry as we work together to decarbonize aviation.”
The Corporate SAF Programme, launched in 2022, allows companies to purchase SAF for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo flights departing from Hong Kong and other locations. SAF is essential for the aviation industry, capable of reducing more than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo have pledged to use SAF for 10% of their total jet fuel consumption by 2030, aligning with the industry’s goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
DB Schenker’s Global Air Freight Sustainability Manager, Alexander Mentgen, highlighted the immediate impact of SAF in the logistics sector, stating: “SAF is making change possible already today. Our new SAF alliance with Cathay Cargo enhances our sustainability commitment and leadership in the skies.”
“DB Schenker’s involvement as the largest contributor to our Corporate SAF Programme represents a significant step forward in our joint efforts to decarbonize aviation and make the future of air cargo greener.”
— Tom Owen, Director Cargo, Cathay Cargo
DB Schenker’s Role in Sustainable Aviation
DB Schenker, a leader in global logistics, has been implementing SAF into its operations since 2020. By joining the Cathay Corporate SAF Programme, the company strengthens its commitment to sustainability and reinforces its leadership in reducing the environmental impact of air freight.
Speaking on the new partnership, DB Schenker’s Vice President Global Carrier Relation, Susanne Stemmer, said: “We are very excited about this collaboration with Cathay Cargo, which will contribute to a more sustainable future for our industry and enhance our long-lasting global partnership with Cathay.”
Cathay Cargo’s Fly Greener Initiative
This new partnership complements Cathay Cargo’s Fly Greener initiative, which focuses on offsetting carbon emissions through SAF and Gold Standard certified environmental projects. Cathay Cargo is continuously exploring ways to promote cleaner aviation and help its partners meet their sustainability goals.
By committing to purchase SAF, DB Schenker is playing an instrumental role in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint while supporting Cathay Cargo in achieving its target of incorporating SAF in 10% of its jet fuel consumption by 2030.
Source: Cathay Pacific Press Release
