DHL Express secures long-term SAF supply from Bahrain plant
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
DHL Express and Dubai-based SAF developer SAF One have signed a landmark sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offtake agreement, integrating the first SAF production facility in the Middle East into DHL’s global SAF supply network.
Under the ten-year agreement, DHL Express will receive 25,000 metric tons of unblended SAF annually from SAF One’s Bahrain production facility, totaling 250,000 metric tons over the contract period. Production is expected to begin in 2028.
The agreement represents DHL Express’ first SAF offtake partnership in the Middle East and supports the company’s sustainability strategy to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels to 30 percent by 2030. The SAF produced in Bahrain will contribute to measurable lifecycle CO2e reductions across DHL’s regional and intercontinental aviation network.
According to Abdulaziz Busbate, CEO of DHL Express MENA, the partnership highlights the growing role of the Middle East in the transition toward lower-emission aviation while supporting regional decarbonization and innovation. Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations & Aviation at DHL Express, added that integrating the Bahrain facility into DHL’s supply chain strengthens sourcing resilience and expands the company’s SAF footprint globally.
SAF One stated that the Bahrain facility will utilize renewable feedstocks and next-generation refining technologies to produce certified sustainable aviation fuel at scale. The long-term agreement with DHL provides demand stability and supports the continued development of clean energy infrastructure in the region.
The SAF volumes supplied under the agreement will be allocated globally through a verified “book and claim” model, allowing DHL customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions even when shipments are not transported on aircraft directly fueled with SAF. These reductions will be integrated into DHL’s GoGreen Plus decarbonization offering.
Image source: dhl.com
