Lufthansa Cargo’s Push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Changes

Overview of Lufthansa Cargo’s Stance

Lufthansa Cargo is taking a proactive role in aligning with Europe’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate while raising concerns about the potential impacts of the existing framework on the competitiveness of EU carriers. With the 2025 deadline looming for a 2 percent SAF blend requirement, the German airline is advocating for neutral regulatory measures or a carbon border adjustment to foster fair competition.

The Challenge of Current Regulations

According to Bettina Petzold, the Head of Corporate Responsibility at Lufthansa Cargo, simply mandating blending does not adequately address the critical supply and pricing challenges facing SAF. Currently, biogenic SAF is available only in limited quantities, fetching prices that are three to five times higher than traditional fossil kerosene. As of 2023, SAF usage amounted to merely 0.2 percent of global fuel needs, and high costs are expected to persist due to limited availability.

Disparities in Global Competition

The company highlights the discrepancies in the competitive landscape for EU carriers compared to their counterparts from regions like the Gulf and China. Petzold asserts the need for a regulatory framework that not only considers the EU’s SAF blending mandate but also includes fair measures to offset the competitive disadvantages experienced by European airlines. This includes advocating for political strategies to accelerate the SAF market’s growth.

Lufthansa Cargo’s Innovative Approach to Sustainability

Lufthansa Cargo’s commitment extends beyond lobbying for change; the airline is actively implementing SAF in its operations. It offers various services designed to help customers lower their carbon footprints by purchasing SAF. Petzold explains, “Our ‘Sustainable Choice’ enables up to an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions, available to all customers globally.” This initiative appeals to a diverse range of clientele, from large companies to smaller forwarders.

Services Designed for All Customers

The airline provides a transparency-based offering with options to further offset emissions through partnerships with organizations like myclimate, SQUAKE, and ClimatePartner. Additionally, Lufthansa Cargo presents bulk and charter deals for significant SAF purchases, meticulously ensuring traceability in usage to prevent double counting.

Commitment to Safe and Responsible Practices

Regardless of the procurement model, Petzold emphasizes the overarching principle of traceability. By prioritising high-quality SAF sourced from biogenic residues (like used cooking oils), Lufthansa Cargo steers clear of palm oil parking while maintaining compliance with the necessary regulations. The efforts made have already resulted in saving approximately 8,500 tonnes of CO2 by 2024 through SAF utilization and contributing to robust climate protection projects.

Data and Technology: Fuel Efficiency Management

Digital innovation plays a pivotal role in Lufthansa Cargo’s strategy for reducing carbon emissions, particularly regarding fuel efficiency. The Fuel Efficiency Team employs proprietary analytical tools to meticulously track fuel consumption across all phases of flight. This initiative underscores the airline’s commitment to integrating advanced technology in its operations, with plans to leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning for deeper analysis in the near future.

The Future of Fleet Management

Since 2021, Lufthansa Cargo has undertaken significant fleet modernization, replacing its long-haul fleet with the Boeing 777F, recognized for its superior environmental performance. The airline currently operates twelve of these modern freighters and has placed orders for seven additional B777-8 freighters from Boeing, expected by 2030. This model promises an efficiency improvement of about 13 percent over the 777F, which aligns with the airline’s goals of reducing emissions further.

A Systematic Approach to Climate Responsibility

Lufthansa Cargo’s sustainability roadmap is deeply rooted in a longstanding environmental management system, initiated in 2007. The airline’s efforts to manage carbon and noise emissions date back to the 1990s, leading to comprehensive certifications attesting to its commitment to environmental accountability. The system, which underwent its latest recertification in 2024, has been consistently updated to reflect evolving environmental standards and practices.

Granular Emissions Reporting

The reporting of emissions has gained traction, with Lufthansa Cargo offering customers detailed individual carbon reports on request. The airline is in the midst of transitioning these reports to align with ISO 14083 standards, focusing on precise methodologies for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions from transport operations.

Concluding Remarks

The discussion around Lufthansa Cargo’s advocacy for changes in SAF policies is pivotal—not just for the airline itself but for the broader logistics landscape. By spearheading this initiative, they reinforce the need for sustainable practices in air cargo transportation and logistics. While reviews and insights provide valuable perspectives, nothing quite measures up to the experience of engaging directly with these offerings. Optimal solutions like those from GetTransport.com empower users to make informed logistics decisions globally and affordably.

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