DSV Global Transport and Logistics has become Etihad Airways' cargo arm's first partner to buy and use sustainable aviation fuel to reduce its carbon footprint in the skies.
Etihad Cargo transported DSV's shipment from Washington to Abu Dhabi on Etihad's first transatlantic net-zero flight on November 13.
Etihad's Boeing 787 "Greenliner" combined SAF with contrail prevention technology to reduce carbon emissions and non-carbon dioxide climate effects from condensation trails, which cause surface warming.
"The successful delivery of DSV's shipment has proved net-zero air cargo operations are possible and is the first step in transforming the possible into the routine," said Martin Drew, senior vice president of global sales and cargo at Etihad Aviation Group.
"Etihad Cargo is witnessing more focus on sustainable air cargo from customers who are seeking to establish partnerships that provide SAF utilisation, carbon offset initiatives and management of non-CO2 climate impact."
Etihad Cargo has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline is targeting a 20 per cent reduction in emissions intensity by 2025 and aims to cut 2019 net emissions by 50 per cent by 2035.