By: Construction business news

DHL Express and Dubai-based sustainable aviation fuel developer SAF One have signed a landmark long-term agreement that will see the Middle East’s first SAF production facility integrated into DHL’s global sustainable fuel network.

Under the deal, DHL Express will secure access to 25,000 metric tonnes of unblended sustainable aviation fuel annually over a ten-year period, totalling 250,000 metric tonnes from the start of production in 2028.

The SAF will be produced at SAF One’s flagship facility in Bahrain, one of the region’s most advanced plants, using renewable feedstocks and next-generation refining technologies. The fuel is expected to support significant lifecycle CO2e reductions across DHL’s regional and international air operations.

The agreement marks a major step in DHL Express’ broader decarbonisation strategy, supporting its ambition to increase sustainable aviation fuel usage to 30 per cent by 2030. It also provides long-term market stability for SAF One while helping accelerate clean energy infrastructure development across the Middle East.

Through DHL’s GoGreen Plus programme, the SAF volumes will be allocated globally using a verified “book and claim” model, enabling customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions even on routes not directly powered by sustainable fuel.

DHL said the initiative forms part of its ongoing strategy to work closely with leading SAF producers worldwide to secure reliable long-term access to sustainable aviation fuels and support customers in achieving their climate targets.