DSV offsets carbon emissions with Etihad flight

DSV has become the first company to purchase Etihad Cargo sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to offset the carbon emissions of a flight.

Etihad Cargo transported DSV’s cargo shipment from Washington Dulles to Abu Dhabi on Etihad’s first transatlantic NetZero flight on November 13.

The B787 flight also utilised contrail prevention technology from Satavia to manage carbon emissions and non-CO2 climate effects from contrails 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 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.”

Etihad said its investment in SAF is part of efforts to improve its sustainability profile.

The airline is also the first Middle Eastern carrier to join TIACA’s BlueSky verification programme and has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Etihad Cargo also recently announced a partnership with IATA to trial a cargo-specific CO2 emission calculation tool.