Statutory SAF blending quota of 2 per cent in the EU
Lufthansa Cargo from 1 January 2025 will cover the rising costs for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the air freight surcharge (ASC). From 2025, a statutory SAF blending quota of 2 per cent will apply in the EU. Other countries are also planning or have already introduced mandatory SAF quotas.
SAF stands for Sustainable Aviation Fuel. This is crucial for more sustainable flying and drives the Energy transition in the aviation industry. A high utilisation of SAF requires a rapid increase in supply and availability as well as falling prices. Biogenic SAF is currently three to five times more expensive than fossil paraffin.
The ASC (Airfreight Surcharge) is a surcharge that Lufthansa Cargo has been levying since 2015 to cover additional costs such as fuel, currencies and security measures. Lufthansa Cargo cannot influence these costs. A standardised system monitors the development of costs and adjusts the surcharge if necessary. The surcharge is added to the net price of each consignment. In some countries there are special regulations that can lead to different surcharges.
Climate-neutral by 2050
Lufthansa Cargo has set itself the goal of promoting sustainable global trade. Together with the Lufthansa Group, the company aims to achieve a neutral carbon footprint by 2050.
By 2030, net CO₂ emissions are to be halved compared to 2019 through reduction and compensation measures. To achieve this, Lufthansa Cargo is relying on a modern fleet, sustainable aviation fuels, optimised flight operations and optional sustainable transport services.
How SAF works
SAF is not used as a pure fuel, but is blended with fossil paraffin as a „drop-in“ fuel. Before being transported to the airport, SAF is mixed with fossil aviation fuel and fed into the airport infrastructure.
The „Sustainable Choice“ add-on service enables customers to make their shipments more sustainable by using SAF and contributing to climate protection projects. The SAF share can be verified by emission reduction certificates.
The Lufthansa Group guarantees that the amount of SAF required for CO₂ compensation will be fed into flight operations within six months of purchase.
Over its entire life cycle, SAF made from biogenic residues has a carbon footprint that is around 80 per cent lower than that of conventional paraffin.