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F1 and DHL find a green formula for motorsports airfreight

Chris Lewis
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F1 and DHL find a green formula for motorsports airfreight

Formula 1 and its logistics partner DHL are to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for their airfreight movements, they announced at a press conference in Singapore on 20 September.

 From March of this year, starting with the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 has been working with DHL Global Forwarding’s GoGreen Plus service to use the green fuel, which cuts emissions by around 80% per flight compared to conventional aviation fuel.

Like many other companies and organisations, Formula 1 is committed to reach Net Zero by 2030. So far this year, 20% of cargo flights to races outside Europe have been scheduled to use the GoGreen Plus service with SAF. 

Head of DHL motorsports logistics, Paul Fowler, said: “We are committed to using our expertise to support Formula 1 in transporting cars and other equipment around the world in the most efficient way possible. With 40 years of expertise in motorsports logistics, we are focused on identifying ways to cut down greenhouse gas emissions and making motorsport more sustainable with every step we take.”

More broadly, DHL employs multimodal transportation including sea and road freight. This season, for example, it has more than doubled its fleet of biofuel-powered trucks to serve the European leg of the F1 season

It has also switched from thirsty 747 freighter aircraft to more efficient twin-engined Boeing 777Fs reducing greenhouse gas emissions by around 17%.

Formula 1 itself has also rationalized its calendar and create a better flow of races and centralised remote broadcast production at a new Media and Technology Centre at Biggin Hill airport south of London in the UK.

Formula 1’s head of ESG, Ellen Jones, said: “Formula 1 has always been at the forefront of innovation, and our early stage investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a testament to our dedication to deliver on our Net Zero by 2030 commitment. SAF is just the latest step for the business, and underscores how alternative fuels both on and off track can materially reduce carbon emissions. This delivery of our sustainability strategy is only made possible through coordinated actions across our sport.”

The SAF for Formula 1 logistics is purchased and transferred through DHL’s book and claim system which allows for the decoupling of specific environmental attributes from physical products, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and transferring them to another party through a registry and allowing buyers and sellers to participate without direct involvement in the physical supply chain of the fuel. At purchase, buyers “book” a specified quantity of SAF and “claim” emissions reductions towards their sustainability objectives, acquiring environmental benefits without physically possessing the fuel.

DHL’s SAF for Formula 1 is backed by verification from the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC which ensures that the fuel is produced in accordance with strict sustainability criteria. The ISCC goes beyond simple emissions reduction to promote transparent, sustainable, and deforestation-free practices throughout the supply chain. Its scope encompasses a wide range of sustainable materials, from agricultural biomass to recycled carbon sources, ensuring a truly holistic approach.

Launched by DHL Global Forwarding in 2022, the GoGreen Plus service uses the book and claim system for sustainable fuels in air and ocean freight.

Air France-KLM extends WFS North America contracts 

Chris Lewis
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Air France-KLM extends WFS North America contracts 

SATS Group’s Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) arm has renewed contracts with Air France KLM Martinair Cargo  in North America.

It encompasses contracts at Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, and Washington Dulles airports, including freighter services in Miami.

WFS’ partnership with the carrier also includes full passenger, ramp and cargo handling services in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Newark.

The carrier’s director of cargo North America, Jean-Noel Rault, commented: “With an additional collaboration on SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), we continue our mutual efforts to reduce our carbon footprint. We commend the WFS Group for their leadership in environmental responsibility, and we are excited to elevate our historic partnership. Together, we are proudly working towards a more eco-friendly future for the logistics and airfreight industry”.

Senior Vice President of Cargo for WFS in North America, Frank Clemente, added: “It is only possible to build an enduring and growing partnership with a leading global customer like Air France-KLM Cargo when you deliver consistent performance, strong collaboration, and a commitment to excellence in operational efficiency and innovation. We understand their specific operational requirements and our strategic network spanning major gateways around the world provides Air-France-KLM Cargo with a reliable and efficient network and consistent, high-quality service delivery.”

Northlink deal helps Cathay combat Alaskan winter

Chris Lewis
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Northlink deal helps Cathay combat Alaskan winter

Cathay Cargo has signed an agreement to use NorthLink Aviation’s cargo terminal  at Alaska’s Ted Stevens Airport Cathay Cargo, giving it freighter parking and more winter weather resilience from October 2025. The airport is a technical stop for Cathay’s Transpacific Boeing 747 freighters.

The new deal will also grant Cathay Cargo customs clearance for cargo entering the US.

The deal includes 11 power-through hardstands for aircraft to park and depart without ground-tug assistance, and four push-back hardstands. Each of stand will offer dual hydrant fueling systems, lighting towers for enhanced ground safety and renewable energy ground power systems. The agreement also includes collection and recycling of de-icing fluid.

Cathay says that access to guaranteed stand parking will help minimise disruption and strengthen schedule resilience during intense winter weather. It currently uses stands provided by the airport authority shared with other carriers which can become occupied and blocked, leading to diversions and flight cancellations.   

Cathay’s director of cargo, Tom Owen, said: “Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport has been a cornerstone in Cathay Cargo’s successful transpacific operations over many decades, serving as a stopover for our freighters en route to and from the Americas. Leveraging NorthLink’s privately developed stands through this long-term agreement helps Cathay Cargo address the challenges posed by severe winter storms by ensuring dedicated gate access is available and offering a dependable supply of hard stand parking spaces, thereby enhancing operational resilience and service reliability for our customers’ shipments.” 

NorthLink Aviation chief executive, Sean Dolan added: “NorthLink intends to not only provide world-class infrastructure, but partner in helping Cathay Cargo expand commercial opportunities and capture sustainability gains at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.”  

NorthLink is backed by investor Tiger Infrastructure Partners, which targets growth investments in digital infrastructure, energy transition and  transportation in North America and Europe.

Fast logistics firm to use Cargo.one platform

Chris Lewis
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Fast logistics firm to use Cargo.one platform

Lufthansa Group’s Time:matters high-speed freight arm has signed a partnership with the Cargo.one procurement platform for quotes and bookings on 60 airlines. It will be implemented at Time:matters’ offices in the US, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Singapore and China and the company says that Cargo.one’s digital quotation tools can reduce time to quote considerably.
Time:matters operates in sectors such as automotive, aviation and aerospace, high-tech and semiconductors, life sciences, medical technology and industrial machinery offering services by air, rail and road with a network of some 500 partners worldwide.

Pictured: Lars Krosch, chief operating officer at Time:matters, and Simson Demmer, vice president of partnerships at Cargo.one

Etihad sets up joint venture with China’s SF Airlines

Chris Lewis
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Etihad sets up joint venture with China’s SF Airlines

Etihad Cargo and China’s SF Airlines signed a formal agreement to create a joint venture in Shenzhen on 18 September.

It builds on the existing capacity sharing agreement between the Abu Dhabi and Chinese carriers and is described as “a full strategic alignment between Etihad Cargo and SF Airlines, combining their strengths to offer a unified, comprehensive logistics solution to customers worldwide”. It aims to integrate the customer service of Etihad Cargo with the capacity and reach of SF Airlines and boost UAE-China trade routes.

Benefits will include increased aircraft capacity, improved transit times, interconnected networks and the expansion of SF Express’s international express services.

Etihad Airways chief executive, Antonoaldo Neves, said: “This partnership will be pivotal in positioning the UAE as a key player in global logistics, benefiting both our nations and the broader market.”

Chairman of SF Holding, Wang Wei added: “By joining forces with Etihad Cargo, we are setting new standards for the industry, particularly in response to the rising demand for e-commerce, airmail, and parcel delivery. This is a long-term commitment to enhancing the quality and reliability of our operations.”

Qatar offers enhanced options

Chris Lewis
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Qatar offers enhanced options

Qatar Airways Cargo has launched a range of enhanced services under the AirPlus Solutions brand. Q-Climate provides temperature-control for additional product categories, with ramp protection against external weather for general and vulnerable cargo in three standard temperature ranges.

Q-Plus offers priority capacity for time-sensitive shipments on confirmed or next available flights if the requested flight can no longer accept bookings. It is available as an add-on for Qatar Airways Cargo’s General Cargo, SecureLift (Vulnerable Cargo), Fresh Care (perishable cargo), and Drive (automobiles) products.

Q-Prime guarantees urgent shipments prioritised processing, best or preferred connections, and a money-back guarantee if the shipment does not fly as confirmed. It can also be used to gain capacity on full flights in urgent cases, where possible.

Temp-control container maker wins funding

Chris Lewis
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Temp-control container maker wins funding

Active temperature controlled company Swiss Airtainer, has gained pre-round A investment from a consortium of private investors. The company, which has already received startup grants from venture capital sources, including the Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation for its initial development phase, said the new investment will help it meet the growing demand for its containers, which have been validated by pharmaceutical companies, airlines and logistics providers. The funding will enable the company to accelerate production and expand its market presence.

Swiss Airtainer’s says it active temperature-controlled offer lower weight and reduce CO2 emissions by 45%, saving four tons of CO2 on a round-trip between Zurich and San Francisco. 

The containers offer redundancy in critical components, for example with solar panels backed up by six high-energy lightweight batteries for consistent and precise temperature control during flight and transit, even under challenging conditions. Airtainer also says they offer industry-first, true two-way GSM-based communication capabilities, enabling real-time tracking, alerts, and preventive intervention.

They have approval from regulatory bodies, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Chief executive Eduard Seligman said: “This funding will help us to scale up and move closer to our goal. The trust that several major pharmaceutical companies have already placed in Swiss Airtainer demonstrates the strength of our product and its potential to transform cold chain logistics.”

Chairman of the board, Dr Ludwig Bertsch, added: “With its modern technology and focus on research and development, Swiss Airtainer provides pharmaceutical companies with a greener and more cost-effective alternative and continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cold chain logistics.”

Customs change not enough to stem Chinese imports, says airfreight analyst

Chris Lewis
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0

The Biden administration’s plan reduce shipments entering the US under the $800 ‘de minimis’ threshold “will not put the genie back in the bottle”, says analyst Niall van de Wouw.

The chief airfreight officer at Xeneta says that Chinese e-commerce platforms are seen as exploiting a loophole in US customs regulations but the real driver of e-commerce is in reality “the massive and seemingly insatiable consumer demand in the West for low-cost fast-fashion, apparel and textiles”.

He argues that Chinese e-retailers such as Shein and Temu were not set up simply because the loophole of de minimis regulations. “More than a billion shipments now enter the US under de minimis exemption each year, with the majority originating from Chinese e-commerce platforms. This extraordinary level of demand is not going away and the genie cannot be put back in the bottle,” de Wouw said.

Xeneta’s latest air cargo market analysis highlighted a 30% annual increase in e-commerce demand ex-China as well as 37 million new downloads of the TEMU app alone in a single month this summer.

There is no clear timeline for the introduction of the new de minimis regulations and van de Wouw believes the Chinese e-commerce businesses will be able to adapt quickly. He said: “Companies like Shein and Temu have known for a long time that changes to US import regulations are inevitable, and I don’t think they will be overly concerned by the latest announcement.

“Even if the new de minimis regulations cause prices to rise slightly on e-commerce platforms, they will still be very low cost. The US Government is trying to level the playing field for American retailers and manufacturers, but the price differential is so big that they aren’t even playing on the same field as Chinese e-commerce.”

Another argument used by the US Government is that the volume of de minimis shipments makes it difficult to target and block illegal or unsafe goods. However, Van de Wouw said: “The US Government has existing regulations at its disposal to stop illegal goods entering the country, they just need to enforce them.

“Stringent checks of every shipment entering the country would cause massive delays and hurt e-commerce businesses far more than any changes to de minimis regulations, but the resources required for this level of enforcement would be very costly. It would also have major repercussions for other businesses importing goods into the US by air.”

Xeneta says that most  e-commerce goods are shipped from Asia to the US by air, with the massive growth in volumes during 2024 squeezing available capacity and causing markets to spike. Its data shows the air cargo spot rate from China to the US in the week ending 8 September rising by 30% year-on-year to US$4.53 per kg.

Van de Wouw warns that the air freight market is set for an extremely challenging year-end peak season when volumes traditionally increase in the run up to Christmas and New Year: “There is a storm coming to the outbound China air freight market. Shippers need to take action now and have a clear plan in place for when the storm hits, such as working with their vendor to minimize the use of spot market capacity, which will likely come at spiralling costs.”

Belgian post operator acquires UK’s Staci

Chris Lewis
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0
Belgian post operator acquires UK’s Staci

Belgian postal operator Bpostgroup has acquired UK and European fulfilment provider Staci for £1.3bn as part of its plan to become a leader in e-commerce and omnichannel fulfilment.

Staci UK has a presence in the US, Europe and Asia. Bppostgroup says the partnership will allow it to leverage Staci’s expertise in managing complex logistics flows and multichannel distribution.

Thomas Mortier, who has served as chief executive of Staci Group since 1996, will lead Bpostgroup’s International 3PL division as chief executive and serve on its board of directors.

Chief executive of Staci UK, Wayne Chapman, said the investment was an endorsement of the company’s long-term financial success, growth, and track record of supporting and retaining clients, adding: “ This partnership not only strengthens our ability to serve and expand our client base across the UK and Europe, but also opens doors to new markets, including Poland and Australia.”

Staci UK’s client base includes companies in e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods, retail and health.

The acquisition opens up opportunities for cross-selling and expanding into new sectors, particularly through collaboration with other Bpostgroup brands like Active Ants and Radial.

Germans take over Air Cargo Americas

Chris Lewis
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0
Germans take over Air Cargo Americas

Messe München, organizer of the globally popular transport logistic trade fairs, has acquired the Air Cargo Americas Conference and Exhibition from World Trade Center Miami. WTC Miami will remain on board as a strategic partner for a further three editions and will also support the Munich team in operational matters.

The first co-located free-to-attend event will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center on November 11-13, 2025. 

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