Kuehne+Nagel launches air freight carrier engagement sustainability programme

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To lead the way to a more sustainable future, Kuehne+Nagel announces the launch of its carrier engagement sustainability programme. As part of the programme, Kuehne+Nagel has signed individual Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) agreements with fourteen global airline carriers to advance sustainability initiatives and innovations around the world. This first-of-its-kind collaboration in the air logistics industry aims to reduce the environmental impact of airfreight transportation for customers.

Kuehne+Nagel has signed individual MoUs with American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France Cargo and KLM Cargo, Atlas Air, Azul, Cargolux, Cathay Cargo, Delta Air Lines, LATAM Airlines Group S.A., Lufthansa Cargo, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.

By signing individual MOUs with airlines on four continents, Kuehne+Nagel is expanding its geographical reach for sustainability collaboration. The collaboration will focus on several key areas to achieve its sustainability goals:

  • Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use and decarbonisation: Sourcing and promoting the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as well as other optimisation measures to reduce the carbon footprint. SAF, which is derived from renewable resources, can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by an average of 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
  • Transparency and impact tracking: Regular exchanges of data and information between Kuehne+Nagel and each airline to improve the understanding and quality of emissions, track the progress of reductions, and track the impact of the carrier engagement programme overall beyond carbon emissions.
  • Holistic sustainability approach: Expanding efforts to address broader sustainability challenges.

Fabiano Piccinno, Air Logistics Global Head of Sustainability at Kuehne+Nagel, comments: “As an asset-light company, it is crucial for us to collaborate with our carriers to reach our ambitious science-based targets while also sending a clear signal. The signing of these MoUs represents a milestone for the industry and marks our joint commitment to supporting a sustainable future. We are very excited about the new initiatives that will emerge out of this, ultimately, benefiting our customers.”

The current individually signed MoUs are with carriers that cover approximately 50% of Kuehne+Nagel’s emissions from air freight (based on emissions for full year 2024). The company aims to continue expanding its carrier sustainability engagement with major carrier partners to increase the amount of emissions covered.