Bolloré Logistics joins AFKLMP’s SAF programme

Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) has partnered with Bolloré Logistics to launch a low-carbon airfreight route between France and the US. 

The move is part of AFKLMP’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) programme and will enable Bolloré Logistics’ shipments this year, between Paris Charles de Gaulle and New York-JFK airports, to be transported with lower carbon emissions.

AFKLMP explained that SAF will cut CO₂ emissions by at least 50% for Bolloré Logistics’ airfreight that is being shipped on the “symbolic” trade lane.

The carrier also said the route “illustrates the ambition of these two historical partners to tackle the environmental challenge of airfreight transportation”.

Commenting on AFKLMP’s SAF programme, Christophe Boucher, executive vice president at Air France Cargo, said: “[It] enables shippers and forwarders to power a percentage of their flights with SAF. Customers determine their own level of engagement and we ensure that their entire investment is used for sourcing SAF.”

He added: “I’m delighted to see the speed at which Air France KLM Martinair Cargo and Bolloré Logistics have come to an agreement on the use of our SAF programme, launched a few weeks ago. I’m proud that together we are trendsetters in a field that will grow in our companies and in society.”

In line with its ‘Powering Sustainable Logistics’ CSR programme, Bolloré Logistics said it is aiming to provide its customers with cutting-edge solutions to drastically reduce the environmental impact of freight transportation.

In light of this, the logistics firm said its partnership with AFKLMP is “the most efficient in today’s market” and “will directly impact [its] CO₂ emission reduction”.

Thierry Ehrenbogen, chief executive of Bolloré Logistics, explained: “Reducing carbon emissions is a major challenge in the airfreight transportation industry and Bolloré Logistics is committed to addressing this with innovative solutions.

“In 2021, the company has committed itself to reducing scope three CO₂ emissions linked to the performance of its transport services by 30% by 2030. We believe that SAF is one of the key factors in reaching this ambitious objective.”

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Odile Maarek, corporate social responsibility director at Bolloré Logistics, added: “We are facing major challenges for the planet, which implies a considerable transformation throughout the value chain.

“Bolloré Logistics continues its efforts to contribute to the decarbonisation of the sector and to offer our customers end-to-end solutions that are always more efficient from an environmental point of view, from clean trucks to the maximum use of reusable consumables and via SAF.”

Adriaan den Heijer, executive vice president at Air France-KLM Cargo, and managing director at Martinair, said: “I’m pleased with the clear commitment of Bolloré to join forces in making flying more sustainable by participating in the AFKLMP Cargo SAF programme. Only with such investments will we successfully develop a more viable market for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.” 

Earlier this month, also as part of its SAF programme, AFKLMP teamed up with Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) to launch a “zero emissions airfreight route” on which K+N’s cargo on the Los Angeles—Amsterdam route is being covered by SAF.

In recent months, other companies have been highlighting their sustainability efforts, as the airfreight sector works towards operating in a more environmentally-friendly way.

In November, Lufthansa Cargo stepped up its sustainability drive by committing to meet goals set by the United Nations: ending poverty; good health and wellbeing; decent work and economic growth; industries, innovation and infrastructure; and climate action.

A few days days after its announcement, Lufthansa Cargo partnered with DB Schenker to carry out the first ever SAF-powered freighter flights between Frankfurt and Shanghai.

Atlas Air also carried out a flight with a SAF mix.

Last month, Qatar Cargo said it is continuing to demonstrate sustainable practices with its WeQare programme.