SAF One, DHL sign fuel deal in Bahrain

DHL Express has signed a long-term agreement with SAF One to source sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from a new plant in Bahrain. The deal will supply 25,000 tonnes of SAF every year for ten years, starting from 2028. This is DHL’s first SAF offtake agreement in the Middle East and will add the Bahrain facility to its global fuel network.

"By integrating the first SAF plant in the Middle East into our global supply chain, we are taking another major step toward making sustainable aviation the new normal,” said Travis Cobb, EVP Global Network Operations & Aviation at DHL Express.

The agreement supports the shift from traditional jet fuel in aviation. SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions compared to fossil fuels, helping airlines and logistics firms meet climate targets. DHL plans to use SAF for up to 30% of its aviation fuel needs by 2030, and this deal helps secure part of that supply in advance.

The fuel from Bahrain will be distributed across DHL’s global network using a “book and claim” system. This allows emission reductions to be counted even if the fuel is not used on a specific flight. Customers can also lower their reported transport emissions through DHL’s GoGreen Plus programme.