DHL Global Forwarding and Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) have signed a new framework agreement aimed at advancing decarbonisation in the air freight sector, building on a partnership first established in 2022.
The agreement introduces a focus on emission reduction claims and the development of market-ready book-and-claim models, designed to support the wider adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the industry.
“This framework agreement shows what collaborative decarbonisation in air freight can look like,” said Henk Venema, Executive Vice President of Global Air Freight at DHL Global Forwarding. “Emission Reduction Rights provide predictability, scalability, and transparency – three critical factors for sustainable aviation fuels to make a real impact within the market. Together with AFKLMP, we are establishing a foundation that can serve as a model for the entire industry.”
Under the agreement, DHL Global Forwarding has signed a work order for 35,000 metric tonnes of well-to-wheel (WTW) CO₂e emission reduction rights. The partnership moves beyond traditional SAF procurement by adopting a structured, longer-term approach that combines SAF adoption with digital verification processes.
AFKLMP has been a long-standing participant in DHL’s GoGreen Carrier Evaluation Programme and is involved in joint industry initiatives aimed at improving transparency and standardisation in sustainable air freight. Both companies said they will continue to develop book-and-claim models to enable access to verified emission reductions, including on routes where sustainable fuels are not yet physically available.
“We are proud to renew this partnership with DHL Global Forwarding,” said GertJan Roelands, Senior Vice President Commercial at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo. “Our shared ambition and continued collaboration on SAF are fundamental to scaling the solutions needed to reduce the carbon footprint of the air freight industry. This new agreement reflects mutual trust, operational commitment, and a firm belief that only through close cooperation can we drive meaningful change across the air freight value chain.”
The partnership supports DHL Group’s target to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel to 30 per cent by 2030. The agreement was marked by a signing event in Amsterdam attended by representatives from both companies.
