Etihad Cargo has announced that DSV Global Transport and Logistics has become the carrier's first partner to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to offset the carbon emissions of its cargo shipment.

Via the book and claim system, Etihad Cargo facilitated DSV's SAF purchase, enabling the transport and logistics provider to offset CO2 emissions and reduce non-CO2 climate impact. Etihad Cargo transported DSV's cargo shipment from Washington Dulles to Abu Dhabi on Etihad's first transatlantic NetZero flight.

Etihad's Boeing 787 "Greenliner" combined SAF with contrail prevention technology from its partner, SATAVIA, to actively manage carbon emissions and non-CO2 climate effects from contrails, or condensation trails, which cause surface warming and are responsible for up to two-thirds of aviation's climate impact.

Martin Drew, Senior Vice President – Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group, said, "Etihad was recently named the Environmental Airline of the Year, and Etihad Cargo is committed to providing solutions that enable its partners and customers to achieve their sustainability ambitions. 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's partnership with DSV to transport cargo utilising the SAF book and claim system has showcased the power of collaboration and demonstrated the future of net-zero aviation. 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."

During the three-month trial, Etihad Cargo will share data on fuel burn, load factors and other key variables from flights and cargo shipments and advise on various use cases. IATA and Etihad Cargo will use the world's first cargo-dedicated CO2 emissions calculation tool to manage and report on sustainability progress to provide the entire value chain, including shippers, forwarders, investors and regulators, with reliable and trustworthy data.