By Maria Kalamatas
Chubu Centrair, JAPAN —
In a move hailed as a turning point for sustainable logistics in Asia, DHL Express Japan has officially commenced the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for all outbound cargo flights from Chubu Centrair International Airport as of April 2025. This milestone marks the first deployment of SAF at scale in the Asia-Pacific region by a global freight forwarder.
According to DHL Express Japan CEO Kazuo Takanashi, the initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050. “This is more than a symbolic step,” Takanashi said during the press briefing on April 30. “We are showing the industry that it is possible to scale SAF in Asia and reduce the carbon footprint of time-critical shipments without compromising efficiency.”
The SAF used at Chubu Centrair is sourced from Cosmo Oil’s newly certified refinery in Yokkaichi, which has a production capacity of 7,200 kiloliters annually—enough to fuel over 1,000 cargo flights per year. DHL’s first weekly deliveries of SAF began mid-April and will gradually be integrated into all flights from the hub by June.
Driving change beyond Europe
Although Europe has led the charge in SAF adoption, the Asia-Pacific market has long been constrained by supply and infrastructure gaps. DHL’s move is seen by analysts as a game changer.
“Japan’s adoption is strategically critical,” says Dr. Hanna Meijer, aviation sustainability analyst at IATA Asia. “It proves that the market is maturing and that public-private cooperation can fast-track SAF scaling, even in regions where oil majors have traditionally resisted the transition.”
Clients are paying attention
Multinational clients such as Panasonic and Sony, who regularly rely on DHL’s overnight cargo routes, have welcomed the shift. “We are actively reviewing logistics providers through a carbon lens,” said Kenji Yamada, Director of Global Logistics at Sony Corporation. “DHL’s SAF program fits directly into our 2030 net-zero transition plan.”
Not just greenwashing
In an era of ESG scrutiny, DHL has gone further by publishing third-party verified lifecycle emissions reports, showing that the current SAF blend (30% SAF / 70% conventional jet fuel) achieves a 65% reduction in carbon emissions per ton-kilometer transported.
Next: Singapore, Seoul and beyond
Following the success of the Japan rollout, DHL Express is now in talks with airport authorities in Singapore and South Korea to expand its SAF program. If approved, Changi and Incheon could begin SAF-based operations by Q1 2026, according to internal DHL sources.
“We’ve learned that early investment pays off,” Takanashi concluded. “We’re not waiting for mandates—we’re taking the lead.”
