DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo Extend Fossil-Free Freighter Flights: A Leap Towards Sustainable Air Freight

Introduction: A Milestone in Sustainable Air Freight

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the logistics industry is taking significant strides towards sustainability. We are thrilled to share the latest development in eco-friendly air freight: DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo have announced the extension of their fossil-free freighter flights between Frankfurt (FRA) and Shanghai (PVG) until at least October 2022. This groundbreaking initiative not only showcases the industry's commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also sets a new standard for sustainable logistics practices.

Let's delve into the details of this remarkable achievement and explore how it's shaping the future of air freight:

• The partnership will save an additional 21,000 tons of CO2e
• Since the cooperation began in late 2020, 31,000 tons of CO2e have been saved
• This weekly flight rotation remains the world's only regular full charter fully covered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
• On March 25, 2022, the partners will conduct their 100th joint greenhouse gas-neutral flight

The Power of Partnership: DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo's Commitment to Sustainability

The collaboration between DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo exemplifies how strategic partnerships can drive significant change in the logistics industry. Both companies have demonstrated unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable future for air freight.

Thorsten Meincke, Global Board Member for Air & Ocean Freight at DB Schenker, emphasized their commitment: "It is our unshaken mission to build a carbon-neutral future for our customers and society at large. With our long-term partner, Lufthansa Cargo, we will now continue our carbon-neutral flight offer and as well as the financial commitment."

Echoing this sentiment, Ashwin Bhat, Chief Commercial Officer at Lufthansa Cargo, stated: "We are very pleased on extending our cooperation with our global partner, DB Schenker. Together we operate completely CO2-neutral flight rotations between Asia and Europe as part of our summer flight schedule."

This extension of their partnership underscores the logistics industry's growing recognition of the need for sustainable practices and the power of collaboration in achieving environmental goals.

The SAF Revolution: Powering Sustainable Air Freight

At the heart of this initiative is the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a game-changing alternative to conventional jet fuel. SAF is revolutionizing the air freight industry by significantly reducing carbon emissions without compromising on performance. Here's what you need to know about SAF:

What is SAF?

SAF is produced from renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used frying oil. The carbon dioxide released during combustion in the engine is only the CO2 that was removed from the atmosphere during the photosynthesis phase of the plants used to produce the oils from which SAF is refined.

How SAF is Implemented in This Initiative

For each cargo rotation from Frankfurt to Shanghai and back, the demand for 174 tons of conventional kerosene is covered by purchasing SAF, which is then fed into the refueling system at Frankfurt Airport. This translates to 217,500 liters of SAF per week that DB Schenker will use during the summer flight schedule.

Environmental Impact

The use of SAF alone saves around 520 tons of CO2e emissions each week. Additionally, DB Schenker offsets a further 150 tons of CO2e emissions generated during the transport and processing of SAF through certified carbon offset projects, resulting in entirely CO2-neutral freight flights.

The 100th Milestone Flight: A Testament to Commitment

On March 25, 2022, DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo will achieve a remarkable milestone: their 100th one-way greenhouse gas-neutral freighter flight. This westbound flight from Shanghai to Frankfurt, operating under flight number LH8405, will be conducted using a Boeing 777F aircraft. This achievement not only demonstrates the feasibility of sustainable air freight operations but also serves as an inspiration for the entire logistics industry.

The success of this initiative has attracted a range of global brands as customers, including Siemens Healthineers, Mercedes-Benz, ZF, Merck, Nokia, and Lenovo. These companies' participation highlights the growing demand for sustainable logistics solutions across various industries.

The Broader Impact: Transforming the Logistics Landscape

The extension of this fossil-free freighter service has far-reaching implications for the logistics industry and beyond:

1. Setting New Industry Standards

By demonstrating the viability of regular, long-haul SAF-powered flights, DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo are setting new benchmarks for sustainability in air freight. This initiative challenges other players in the industry to follow suit and invest in similar eco-friendly practices.

2. Driving Innovation in Sustainable Fuel Technology

The increased demand for SAF created by such initiatives encourages further research and development in sustainable fuel technologies. This, in turn, can lead to more efficient and cost-effective production methods, making SAF more accessible to the broader aviation industry.

3. Empowering Customer Sustainability Goals

By offering carbon-neutral freight options, DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo are enabling their customers to reduce their own carbon footprints. This aligns with the growing corporate focus on sustainability and helps companies meet their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets.

4. Encouraging Industry-Wide Collaboration

The success of this partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges. It may inspire similar alliances across the logistics industry, fostering a collective approach to sustainability.

5. Raising Awareness and Driving Consumer Demand

As more companies opt for sustainable freight options, it raises awareness among consumers about the environmental impact of logistics. This increased awareness can drive demand for eco-friendly products and services across various sectors.

The Role of Digital Logistics Platforms in Supporting Sustainable Initiatives

As the logistics industry moves towards more sustainable practices, Digital Logistics Platforms like FreightAmigo play a crucial role in supporting and accelerating these initiatives. Here's how we contribute to the green logistics movement:

1. Facilitating Access to Sustainable Options

We provide a comprehensive platform that allows clients to compare and choose from various freight options, including those that utilize sustainable practices like SAF-powered flights. This makes it easier for businesses to make environmentally conscious decisions when shipping their goods.

2. Optimizing Routes and Reducing Emissions

Our Digital Logistics Platform uses advanced algorithms to optimize shipping routes, which can lead to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. By efficiently planning and executing shipments, we help minimize the environmental impact of logistics operations.

3. Promoting Transparency in Carbon Footprint

We offer tools that allow clients to track and measure the carbon footprint of their shipments. This transparency enables businesses to make informed decisions about their logistics strategies and set realistic sustainability goals.

4. Supporting Paperless Operations

By digitizing shipping documents and processes, we help reduce paper waste and contribute to more sustainable office practices in the logistics industry.

5. Facilitating Collaboration for Sustainable Practices

Our platform connects various stakeholders in the logistics chain, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing about sustainable practices. This interconnectedness can accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly solutions across the industry.

6. Enabling Real-Time Tracking for Efficient Operations

With our real-time tracking capabilities, we help reduce unnecessary transportation and optimize warehouse operations, leading to decreased energy consumption and emissions.

The Future of Sustainable Air Freight: Challenges and Opportunities

While the DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo initiative represents a significant step forward, the journey towards fully sustainable air freight is ongoing. Here are some challenges and opportunities that lie ahead:

Challenges:

1. Scaling SAF Production: Currently, SAF production is limited and more expensive than conventional jet fuel. Increasing production capacity while reducing costs is crucial for wider adoption.
2. Infrastructure Development: Airports and fuel supply chains need to be adapted to accommodate increased SAF usage.
3. Regulatory Framework: Governments worldwide need to develop consistent policies and incentives to promote SAF adoption.
4. Technological Advancements: Continuous research is needed to improve SAF efficiency and explore other sustainable aviation technologies.

Opportunities:

1. Green Economic Growth: The shift towards sustainable aviation fuels can create new jobs and economic opportunities in renewable energy and biotechnology sectors.
2. Innovation in Aircraft Design: The push for sustainability may accelerate the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft and even electric or hydrogen-powered planes for short-haul flights.
3. Cross-Industry Collaboration: The challenge of sustainable aviation can foster unprecedented collaboration between airlines, freight forwarders, fuel producers, and technology companies.
4. Consumer Awareness and Demand: As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers, there's an opportunity for companies to differentiate themselves through green logistics practices.

Conclusion: A Greener Horizon for Air Freight

The extension of fossil-free freighter flights by DB Schenker and Lufthansa Cargo marks a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable air freight. It demonstrates that with commitment, innovation, and collaboration, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact of logistics operations without compromising on efficiency or reliability.

As a Digital Logistics Platform, we at FreightAmigo are excited about these developments and are committed to supporting our clients in their sustainability efforts. By providing access to eco-friendly shipping options, optimizing routes, and facilitating transparency in carbon footprint tracking, we aim to play our part in creating a more sustainable future for the logistics industry.

The path to fully sustainable air freight may be challenging, but initiatives like this prove that it is achievable. As we move forward, it will be crucial for all stakeholders in the logistics industry to work together, embracing innovation and sustainability at every step of the supply chain.

We invite you to join us in this green revolution. Whether you're a shipper looking for sustainable freight options or a logistics provider aiming to reduce your carbon footprint, FreightAmigo is here to support your journey towards more sustainable logistics practices. Together, we can create a greener, more efficient future for air freight and the entire logistics industry.