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Mon, Jul

Lufthansa Cargo Advocates for a Revamped Sustainable Aviation Fuel Strategy

Lufthansa Cargo Advocates for a Revamped Sustainable Aviation Fuel Strategy

World Maritime
Lufthansa Cargo Advocates for a Revamped Sustainable Aviation Fuel Strategy

Lufthansa Cargo is taking steps to align with Europe’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiative, but it has some reservations.As stated by the airline, the existing regulations could potentially harm the competitiveness of European carriers.With a 2025 target for a 2 percent SAF blend looming, Lufthansa is advocating for a more balanced regulatory framework or a carbon border adjustment to ensure fair competition.

Bettina Petzold, who leads Corporate Obligation at Lufthansa cargo, expressed concerns: “Simply mandating blending won’t create a viable SAF market on its own. The EU’s current policies overlook critical supply and pricing challenges: biogenic SAF is scarce and can cost up to five times more then customary kerosene. In fact, in 2023, SAF accounted for only about 0.2 percent of global fuel needs.”

The airline also highlighted competitive imbalances in the aviation sector: “The current rules put EU airlines at a disadvantage compared to those from regions like the Gulf or China,” she pointed out. “We’re calling for regulations that treat all players equally regarding SAF mandates or introduce an equitable Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism for non-compliant airlines.”

Innovative Carbon Tracking and Flexible SAF Options

Lufthansa Cargo isn’t just voicing concerns; they are actively implementing SAF solutions tailored for various customer needs.

Petzold shared insights on their offerings: “We provide three services that help customers transparently reduce their carbon footprint through purchasing SAF,” she explained. “Our ‘Sustainable choice’ service is available globally across all routes and capacities—allowing CO2 emissions reductions of up to 80%. This process can be completed easily online and appeals not only to large clients but also small-to-medium-sized forwarders.”

The company also offers bulk purchases of over 100 tons of SAF with specific allocations tied to identified transport routes—ensuring no double counting occurs globally—and special charter deals are available as well.

Petzold emphasized traceability in their operations: “We focus on high-quality biogenic residues like used cooking oils—not palm oil—for our SAF production. Each purchase comes with certification from an external auditor ensuring compliance.”

This commitment has already yielded results; Petzold noted that through these initiatives, approximately 8,500 tonnes of CO2 were saved in just one year.

The exact breakdown of how much SAF was used per route will be clearer by early 2026 as calculations continue.

Data-Driven Strategies and Fleet Modernization

Lufthansa Cargo is increasingly relying on digital tools within its strategy aimed at reducing carbon emissions—especially concerning fuel efficiency.

“Our Fuel efficiency Team employs specialized software that thoroughly analyzes fuel consumption throughout all flight phases,” said Petzold. “These tools are vital not only for safety but also enhance fuel efficiency.” She mentioned ongoing enhancements focusing on artificial intelligence which will lead to deeper analytical capabilities moving forward.

“We’re also working on advanced analytic tools resembling ‘digital twins’ capable of predicting changes in kerosene usage based on various factors such as aircraft modifications,” she added; though this technology remains under growth.

Lufthansa has revamped its fleet significantly since late 2021 by transitioning entirely to Boeing’s modern freighter model—the Boeing 777F—which boasts superior environmental performance among freighters today.Currently operating twelve units with plans for seven additional B777-8 freighters expected by 2030 promises even greater efficiency improvements according to Boeing’s projections.

“Alongside fleet upgrades and increased use of sustainable fuels we’re targeting an additional four percent reduction in emissions by the year 2030,” Petzold noted.

A Complete Approach Towards Environmental Accountability

Sustainability efforts at Lufthansa Cargo are supported by an evolving global environmental management system established back in ’07.

“CO2, along with noise metrics have been tracked as the ’90s laying groundwork towards structured environmental management,” explained Petzold.

The first ISO14001 certification was achieved back in ’08 at Frankfurt airport followed shortly thereafter extending certifications across germany before achieving global recognition by ’15—a feat made possible thanks largely due collaboration among dedicated environmental ambassadors within our workforce.”
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This system continues adapting over time; revisions occurred during ’12,’ ’16,’ & most recently ’23’ reflecting new developments while maintaining compliance standards.”
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A commitment extends into detailed emission reporting too! “Currently we offer personalized CO2-reports upon request down even individual airway bills while transitioning these reports towards ISO14083 standards which define consistent methodologies quantifying greenhouse gas emissions throughout transport chains.” As demand rises so dose investment into automating processes enhancing clarity further!
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