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Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) has launched a sustainability programme that aims to further develop its sustainability partnerships with airlines.
As part of the programme, the forwarder has signed individual Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) agreements with 14 airlines to advance sustainability initiatives and innovations.
”This first-of-its-kind collaboration in the air logistics industry aims to reduce the environmental impact of airfreight transportation for customers,” K+N said.
K+N has signed individual MoUs with American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France Cargo and KLM Cargo, Atlas Air, Azul, Cargolux, Cathay Cargo, Delta Air Lines, LATAM Airlines Group, Lufthansa Cargo, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.
The forwarder said that collaboration would focus on three areas: The use of Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and decarbonisation; transparency and tracking; and a holistic sustainability approach.
For SAF and decarbonisation, this includes sourcing and promoting the use of SAF as well as other optimisation measures to reduce the carbon footprint.
On transparency, the partners will have regular exchanges of data and information to improve the understanding and quality of emissions, track the progress of reductions, and track the impact of the carrier engagement programme overall beyond carbon emissions.
And the holistic focus area will expand efforts to address broader sustainability challenges.
Fabiano Piccinno, air logistics global head of sustainability at Kuehne+Nagel, said: “As an asset-light company, it is crucial for us to collaborate with our carriers to reach our ambitious science-based targets while also sending a clear signal.
"The signing of these MoUs represents a milestone for the industry and marks our joint commitment to supporting a sustainable future. We are very excited about the new initiatives that will emerge out of this, ultimately benefiting our customers.”
The current individually signed MoUs are with carriers that cover approximately 50% of K+N’s emissions from airfreight, based on emissions for full year 2024.
"The company aims to continue expanding its carrier sustainability engagement with major carrier partners to increase the amount of emissions covered," K+N added.
