Finnair, DB Schenker sign agreement to reduce cargo transport GHG emissions

Photo: Finnair Cargo

Finnair Cargo announced March 19 that Finnair and DB Schenker have signed an agreement for DB Schenker to purchase nearly 400 tons of scope 3 CO2e reductions, equaling approximately 120 tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Finnair.

Finnair Cargo said both companies are committed to increasing the use of SAF to reduce the greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions related to air cargo transport. 

SAF can reduce GHG emissions by up to 80 percent over the fuel’s lifecycle compared to using fossil jet fuel. 

Finnair has set a science-based target to reduce its carbon-emissions intensity (CO2e/RTK) by 34.5 percent by 2033 from a 2023 baseline.

The target has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Like others in the industry, Finnair is aiming towards net-zero emissions by 2050. 

“Our toolkit for reaching the target comprises investing in sustainable aviation fuels beyond regulatory requirements, further improving operational efficiency, optimizing our network, and investing in new aircraft technology,” said Gabriela Hiitola, Finnair Cargo’s senior vice president. “This agreement with DB Schenker marks an important milestone in our decarbonization efforts and we are thrilled to partner with such a pioneering company, placing key focus on this important matter. The air-freight industry needs to address the climate challenge together, and partnering with like-minded stakeholders within the value chain is essential.”

By cofunding SAF with Finnair, DB Schenker receives a verified scope 3 emissions-reduction certificate, proving its contribution to decreasing air cargo-related emissions. 

DB Schenker, one of the world’s leading logistics-service providers, has been an early adopter of SAF since 2020 and seeks to steadily expand its portfolio of low-carbon air-freight solutions to cargo shippers. 

“At DB Schenker, we recognize the urgency of decarbonizing air freight and are committed to driving meaningful change within the industry,” said Björn Eckbauer, DB Schenker’s senior vice president of global operations and procurement for air. “Our collaboration with Finnair marks another step in scaling sustainable aviation fuel use to significantly reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. By investing in SAF, we are not only reducing our own carbon footprint but also empowering our customers with low-carbon air-freight solutions.”

Finnair Cargo is one of the largest air-cargo carriers in northern Europe.

It is a subsidiary of the passenger airline Finnair, which is one of the oldest operating airlines.

Its main hub is located at Helsinki Airport in Finland, connecting Finnair destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the U.S.

Finnair Cargo said it has one of the most modern air-cargo terminals, which opened in 2018.

It specializes in carrying temperature-controlled cargo such as seafood, pharmaceuticals and other perishables.