Loading...
DHL Express has teamed up with SAF One, a Dubai-based developer of sustainable aviation fuel, to sign a groundbreaking long-term agreement. This partnership will bring the first sustainable aviation fuel production facility to the Middle East, which will be integrated into DHL’s global network of sustainable fuels. As part of this deal, DHL Express will secure an impressive 25,000 metric tonnes of unblended sustainable aviation fuel each year for the next decade, amounting to a total of 250,000 metric tonnes starting from when production kicks off in 2028.
The sustainable aviation fuel will be produced at SAF One’s state-of-the-art facility in Bahrain, utilizing renewable feedstocks and cutting-edge refining technologies. This fuel is anticipated to significantly reduce lifecycle CO2e emissions across DHL’s air operations, both regionally and internationally. This agreement is a significant milestone in DHL Express’s larger decarbonization strategy, aligning with its goal to boost the use of sustainable aviation fuel to 30 percent by 2030. It also offers long-term market stability for SAF One and helps to speed up the development of clean energy infrastructure throughout the Middle East.
"We are proud to see the Middle East playing a central role in the global shift toward emission-reduced aviation," said Abdulaziz Busbate, CEO DHL Express MENA. "Partnering with SAF One allows us to accelerate regional decarbonization, strengthen local innovation ecosystems, and offer our customers credible and transparent emission reduced shipping solutions. This agreement symbolizes our long-standing commitment to Bahrain and across the region."
"By integrating the first SAF plant in the Middle East into our global supply chain, we are taking another major step toward making sustainable aviation the new normal," Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations & Aviation at DHL Express, added. "This agreement not only expands our SAF footprint geographically but also strengthens our resilience by diversifying our sourcing. Collaborating with SAF One demonstrates how regional innovation can deliver global climate impact."
"We are grateful to DHL Express for entering into this offtake agreement with us, which is an important step toward bringing a landmark sustainable aviation fuel facility to the Middle East." said Deepak Munganahalli, Co-Founder & CEO, SAF One. "We would also like to thank all stakeholders in Bahrain who actively supported this project, including BAPCO Energies and the Bahrain Economic Development Board."
Through DHL’s GoGreen Plus program, the sustainable aviation fuel will be distributed globally using a verified “book and claim” model, allowing customers to cut down on Scope 3 emissions even on routes that aren’t directly powered by sustainable fuel. DHL emphasized that this initiative is part of its ongoing strategy to collaborate closely with leading sustainable aviation fuel producers around the world, ensuring reliable long-term access to these fuels and assisting customers in reaching their climate goals.
For more such news and updates, visit: CARGOCONNECT.
Hong Kong Air Cargo has launched a dedicated freighter service from Mumbai, expanding its India network and strengthening cargo connectivity between India, Hong Kong and onward global markets. The new service adds dedicated inbound cargo capacity to India while giving exporters in the country greater access to Hong Kong and international destinations. The launch comes within two months of Aeroprime Group being appointed as Hong Kong Air Cargo’s Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) in India. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, said Mumbai is one of India’s strategic cargo gateways and that the new service would provide customers with greater capacity, improved connectivity and reliable cargo solutions. He added that the launch reflects the commitment and agility of both teams. Raymond Chen, Vice President and Commercial Spokesperson, Hong Kong Air Cargo, said the Mumbai freighter service marks an important step in the airline’s India growth strategy. He highlighted Mumbai’s importance as a key export hub and credited Aeroprime Group with supporting the airline’s expansion in the Indian market. The Mumbai launch strengthens Hong Kong Air Cargo’s focus on India while expanding Aeroprime Group’s role in the carrier’s market development and commercial activities. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Oman Air has strengthened its global cargo footprint by launching five new routes within a single week, marking one of the airline’s most ambitious network expansion initiatives in recent years. The move is expected to improve cargo connectivity across Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East and Russia while enhancing the carrier’s ability to transport time-sensitive, high-value and temperature-sensitive shipments. The expansion introduces new services from Muscat to Singapore, Tashkent, Sochi and Abu Dhabi, alongside a new Salalah-Dubai connection. Operated using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the additional services provide greater flexibility for freight forwarders and shippers by increasing belly cargo capacity across strategically important trade corridors. Among the newly launched destinations, Singapore and Tashkent are expected to play a pivotal role in supporting regional trade. Singapore serves as one of Asia’s leading logistics and transshipment hubs, while Tashkent strengthens Oman Air’s access to Central Asian markets. The Sochi route extends the airline’s reach into Russia, and the Abu Dhabi and Dubai connections further reinforce cargo flows within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The expanded network also aligns with Oman Air Cargo’s strategy of growing its capabilities in transporting perishables and other temperature-controlled commodities. Improved connectivity is expected to facilitate the movement of fresh produce, seafood, pharmaceuticals and other high-value cargo requiring fast and reliable transit. According to Michael Duggan, Head of Cargo at Oman Air, the new destinations provide customers with broader network options while supporting the efficient movement of time-critical shipments. He noted that expanding the airline’s perishables offering remains a strategic priority as customer demand for specialised cargo solutions continues to increase. The new schedule includes four weekly services to Singapore, two weekly flights to Tashkent, daily operations to Abu Dhabi, and additional frequencies linking Salalah with Dubai and Muscat with Sochi. These services are designed to improve network flexibility while enabling smoother connections across Oman Air’s wider international network. The latest expansion reflects Oman Air’s broader strategy of positioning Muscat as a regional logistics gateway connecting East and West. By strengthening its route network and increasing access to emerging trade markets, the airline aims to offer customers improved supply chain resilience, faster transit times and enhanced cargo solutions. As global supply chains continue to diversify, expanded air cargo connectivity will play a crucial role in supporting international trade. Oman Air’s latest network additions are expected to strengthen its competitive position while creating new opportunities for exporters, importers and logistics providers seeking efficient access to high-growth markets across Asia and the Middle East. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Saudia Cargo has launched a new scheduled freighter service connecting Riyadh (RUH) and Melbourne (MEL), strengthening air cargo connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Australia. The service, which commenced on 25 July, forms part of the carrier's strategy to expand its international network and support growing trade between the two markets. The new route will be operated using a Boeing 747-400 freighter, offering cargo capacity of more than 100 tonnes per flight. The aircraft's nose-loading capability enables the transport of heavy, oversized and high-volume shipments, broadening the range of cargo that can be handled on the route. According to the airline, the service has been introduced in response to increasing market demand and is expected to strengthen global supply chains while providing Saudi exporters with improved access to the Australian market. The route also creates a direct logistics corridor for Australian businesses seeking faster access to the Middle East. The freighter service will support the movement of a wide range of commodities, including perishable products, pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment and e-commerce shipments, addressing the growing demand for specialised and time-sensitive air freight services between the two regions. The launch has been supported through collaboration with the General Authority for Foreign Trade (GAFT) and the Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports) as part of broader efforts to enhance the Kingdom's export capabilities and expand international trade opportunities. Saudia Cargo is also working with the Saudi-Australian Business Council to strengthen engagement with logistics providers and businesses in Australia. The partnership is expected to improve supply chain coordination, reduce transit times and provide customers with greater flexibility in cargo transportation. The airline said the new Melbourne service aligns with Saudi Arabia's long-term logistics and trade objectives by expanding global connectivity and supporting bilateral commerce. The company transported more than 570,000 tonnes of cargo across its international network last year, reflecting continued growth in its air freight operations. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
