• A SAF supply agreement over 5 million liters of SAF signed with TotalEnergies for DHL Express air operations marks the first of its kind for an express cargo carrier at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).
• DHL has entered a renewable one-year partnership with TotalEnergies to fuel aircraft departing from its CDG hub with SAF.
• This initial phase covers 5 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel over the course of one year and the first DHL aircraft powered with SAF took off today from CDG.

A SAF supply agreement over 5 million liters of SAF signed with TotalEnergies for DHL Express air operations marks the first of its kind for an express cargo carrier at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG).

DHL has entered a renewable one-year partnership with TotalEnergies to fuel aircraft departing from its CDG hub with SAF.

This initial phase covers 5 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel over the course of one year and the first DHL aircraft powered with SAF took off today from CDG.

“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’ decarbonization 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,” Mathieu Soulas, Director of New Mobilities at TotalEnergies, said.

“This latest milestone is part of DHL’s global strategy to decarbonize express transportation and help our customers reduce their transport-related indirect emissions. In 2025, SAF already accounted for 10% of the aviation fuel used across DHL’s own aircraft fleet, positioning our Group as a leader in both logistics and aviation sustainability,” Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations & Aviation at DHL Express, commented.

“Five years ago, the opening of our Paris Charles de Gaulle Hub marked a major milestone in the development of DHL Express in France. Today, the introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at this facility opens a new chapter. 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,” Philippe Prétat, CEO of DHL Express France, added.

Outlook for decarbonisation

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.

The adoption of SAF by DHL Express France is part of the company’s long-standing decarbonisation strategy.

According to the logistics provider ‘DHL was the first express operator in France to deploy cargo tricycles as early as 2005 and has continuously invested in lower-emission transportation solutions, anticipating industry trends.’

‘Today, 100 percent of DHL Express France’s owned light commercial vehicle fleet is electric, helping advance DHL Group’s global target of reaching two-thirds last mile electrification by 2030. Beyond fleet electrification, DHL Express serves 55 city centers across France using low-emission delivery modes, including walking, bicycles, and cargo tricycles. The company also reduces delivery journeys through partnerships with parcel collection and drop-off points, as well as collaborations with innovative start-ups.’

The post First SAF supply agreement for an express cargo carrier at Paris CDG appeared first on Air Cargo Week.