Kuehne+Nagel announced the launch of its groundbreaking carrier engagement sustainability programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the air logistics industry designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of airfreight transportation for its customers.
As a key component of this programme, Kuehne+Nagel has signed individual Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) agreements with fourteen leading global airline carriers to collaboratively advance sustainability initiatives and foster innovation worldwide.
Recognising the critical role of collaboration in achieving a more sustainable future, Kuehne+Nagel has forged partnerships 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 establishing these individual MoUs with airlines spanning four continents, Kuehne+Nagel is strategically expanding its geographical reach for impactful sustainability collaboration. The joint efforts will concentrate on several pivotal areas to achieve ambitious sustainability goals, including:
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use and decarbonisation: Actively sourcing and promoting the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), alongside implementing other optimisation measures aimed at reducing the overall carbon footprint of air shipments. SAF, derived from renewable resources, offers the potential to decrease lifecycle CO2 emissions by an average of 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Transparency and impact tracking: Facilitating regular exchanges of crucial data and information between Kuehne+Nagel and each airline partner. This enhanced transparency will improve the understanding and quality of emissions data, allow for meticulous tracking of reduction progress, and enable comprehensive assessment of the carrier engagement programme’s overall impact, extending beyond carbon emissions.
Holistic sustainability approach: Expanding collaborative efforts to address a wider spectrum of sustainability challenges within the air logistics sector.
Fabiano Piccinno, Air Logistics Global Head of Sustainability at Kuehne+Nagel, commented: “As an asset-light company, we must collaborate closely with our carriers to achieve our ambitious science-based targets and send a clear signal to the market. The signing of these MoUs represents a significant milestone for the industry, underscoring our collective commitment to fostering a sustainable future. We are incredibly enthusiastic about the innovative initiatives that will emerge from these partnerships, ultimately delivering tangible benefits to our valued customers.”
The MoUs signed to date encompass carriers that account for approximately 50% of Kuehne+Nagel’s air freight emissions based on full-year 2024 data. Kuehne+Nagel is committed to further expanding its carrier sustainability engagement with other major airline partners to progressively increase the scope of emissions covered by this vital programme.
With over 130 years of experience, Kuehne+Nagel is a global leader in logistics. Our seafreight, airfreight, road logistics, and contract logistics solutions, with a clear focus on sustainability, create value for our customers. As a member of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Kuehne+Nagel is committed to contributing to the decarbonisation of the logistics industry.
