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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.
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Air India transported more than 1,000 tonnes of mangoes to international destinations reflecting the increasing role of airfreight networks in supporting India's perishable goods trade. The shipments were part of a broader movement of over 3,300 tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables handled by the airline between March and May. Mangoes accounted for nearly one-third of the total perishables volume moved during the period, driven by strong overseas demand for Indian varieties. The export season saw cargo volumes rise sharply as harvests peaked across western India. Air India carried 805 tonnes of fruits and vegetables in March, increasing to 1,275 tonnes in April before easing slightly to 1,233 tonnes in May. Much of the produce originated from Maharashtra and Gujarat, two of the country's largest mango-producing states. The movement of mangoes to overseas markets underscores the operational challenges associated with transporting perishable agricultural products. Maintaining freshness requires a coordinated supply chain involving farmers, exporters, freight operators, ground handlers and airlines, supported by temperature-controlled storage and transportation throughout the journey. Cold chain management has become increasingly important as exporters target distant markets where transit times can directly affect product quality. Perishable cargo is typically moved from farms in refrigerated vehicles before being stored in temperature-controlled airport facilities and loaded onto aircraft. Similar handling procedures are followed at destination airports before distribution to wholesalers and retailers. Industry observers note that air cargo continues to play a crucial role in India's agricultural export sector, particularly for high-value products with limited shelf life. Faster transit times allow exporters to access premium overseas markets while reducing spoilage risks and maintaining product quality.The latest mango season highlights how investments in airfreight capacity, cold chain infrastructure and international connectivity are strengthening India's ability to move fresh produce to global consumers. As demand for Indian agricultural products grows in overseas markets, efficient logistics networks are expected to remain a key factor in supporting export growth. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
GMR Airports Limited (GAL) reported a strong financial performance in FY26, with total income rising 40 percent year-on-year to ₹152.01 billion, driven by record passenger traffic, expanding cargo operations, and improved airport infrastructure. The company also posted a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹4.72 billion, marking its first full-year profit in more than a decade. A key contributor to the growth story was the company’s cargo business, which continued to gain momentum despite broader geopolitical disruptions affecting global air freight networks. Industry data indicates that India’s air cargo sector remained resilient through FY26, supported by rising international trade, e-commerce shipments, pharmaceuticals, and perishables moving through major airport hubs. GMR strengthened its cargo footprint during the year by securing the concession to operate and modernise Cargo Terminal 1 at Delhi Airport. The company had already been managing the facility on an interim basis since May 2025, ensuring operational continuity while preparing for long-term expansion. At Hyderabad Airport, GMR commissioned the new Cargo Terminal 2 in May 2026, adding an initial handling capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes annually, with scope to double throughput in the future. The facility includes a dedicated temperature-controlled zone for pharmaceutical and perishable cargo, two of the fastest-growing air freight segments. The infrastructure investments translated into higher cargo volumes across GMR’s airport network. Delhi Airport handled a record 1.15 million metric tonnes of cargo during FY26, reinforcing its position as India’s largest air cargo gateway. Hyderabad Airport also achieved its highest-ever annual cargo throughput at approximately 187,000 metric tonnes, reflecting growing demand from exporters, manufacturers, and logistics providers. Beyond cargo, GMR Airports handled a record 121.6 million passengers during FY26 across its portfolio, underscoring the continued recovery and expansion of India’s aviation sector. Strong traffic growth, combined with improved operational efficiencies and increasing non-aeronautical revenues, helped drive EBITDA up 47 percent to a record ₹61.5 billion. The company’s flagship assets also delivered robust performances. Delhi Airport recorded significant earnings growth and returned to profitability, while Hyderabad Airport posted its highest profit since FY20. Both airports benefited from higher passenger traffic, growing cargo volumes, and enhanced commercial activity. As India’s air cargo market continues to expand, airport operators are increasingly investing in specialised freight infrastructure to capture growth opportunities. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
The cargo terminal at the upcoming Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram is expected to become operational between August and September, shortly after commercial flight services begin at the airport, according to project officials. Civil construction of the cargo facility is nearing completion, with warehouse works currently in the final stage. The Andhra Pradesh government is planning to inaugurate the airport in July. Officials associated with the project said more than 98% of the airport infrastructure has already been completed. Spread across around 5,000 square metres, the cargo terminal has been designed to handle nearly 25,000 metric tonnes of freight annually. The facility is expected to support the movement of pharmaceuticals, seafood, perishables, textiles, engineering goods, electronics and e-commerce shipments. Industry stakeholders say the terminal will primarily cater to high-value and time-sensitive cargo requiring faster delivery cycles and cold-chain support. The development is significant for the Visakhapatnam region, which plays a major role in India’s seafood exports. A substantial share of shrimp exports to the United States originates from the region, and exporters have long sought faster air connectivity to reduce transit time for premium seafood and pharmaceutical products. To improve connectivity to the airport, authorities are accelerating work on road infrastructure, including a dedicated trumpet interchange linking the airport directly with National Highway 16. These road projects are expected to be completed by the end of June to facilitate cargo movement once operations commence. Andhra Pradesh currently contributes about 5% of India’s exports, with shipments valued at around $21 billion annually across more than 2,100 commodities exported to nearly 194 countries, according to project-related estimates.The airport’s cargo infrastructure is also expected to support industrial investments planned across Andhra Pradesh. Several large-scale projects in and around Visakhapatnam, including proposed data centres, steel manufacturing facilities and green hydrogen projects, are likely to increase demand for rapid transport of specialised machinery, electronic equipment and precision components. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates.
