DHL is “first express cargo carrier” to use SAF at Paris CDG Airport

DHL Express has signed a fuel deal that will enable it to become the first express cargo carrier to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport.

The one-year partnership with TotalEnergies covers 5m litres of SAF over the course of one year to fuel aircraft departing from the DHL Express hub at Paris CDG to the company’s air hubs in Leipzig, Casablanca, Milan, and London.

DHL said the first DHL aircraft powered with SAF at CDG took off on 9 November.

As well as becoming the first express cargo carrier to use SAF at Paris CDG, this is also the first time SAF will be used by DHL Express in France altogether.

For DHL in France, this initiative is expected to reduce CO₂e emissions by approximately 11,800 metric tons annually.

Travis Cobb, executive vice president global network operations & aviation at DHL Express, commented: “This latest milestone is part of DHL’s global strategy to decarbonise express transportation and help our customers reduce their transport-related indirect emissions.

“In 2025, SAF already accounted for 10% of the aviation fuel used across DHL’s own aircraft fleet, positioning our Group as a leader in both logistics and aviation sustainability.”

Philippe Prétat, chief executive of DHL Express France, added: “Five years ago, the opening of our Paris Charles de Gaulle Hub marked a major milestone in the development of DHL Express in France.

“Today, the introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at this facility opens a new chapter. By becoming the first express operator to use SAF at Paris CDG Airport, we are demonstrating that world-class international logistics performance and a reduced carbon footprint can go hand in hand.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting French businesses in their global trade activities while contributing to the transformation of our industry.”

The introduction of SAF into DHL Express’s air operations at Paris CDG coincides with the fifth anniversary of DHL’s hub at the airport.

Opened in 2021 following an investment of €170m, the 24-hour facility represents the largest investment made by DHL in France since the company established operations in the country in 1976. It is also one of the key hubs within DHL’s European network.

Located in the Paris CDG cargo zone, the site occupies a 91,000 sq m plot and offers 34,000 sq m of operational space.

Its sorting system can process up to 38,000 parcels and documents per hour, fifteen times the capacity of the facility it replaced.