Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world’s leading logistics providers, and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), Switzerland’s premium airline, are strengthening their strategic partnership to drive more sustainable aviation. With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, both companies will collaborate on sustainability projects, with a particular focus on innovative technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The partnership centres on a shared commitment to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced by Synhelion, a Swiss cleantech pioneer that converts sunlight into renewable synthetic fuels like solar jet fuel. To support scaling this technology, Kuehne+Nagel, SWISS, and its air freight division Swiss WorldCargo, have agreed on a long-term offtake agreement of SAF that provides Synhelion with planning security and drives innovation in the sector. This commitment provides producers such as Synhelion with the certainty needed to expand their output and advance new technologies.
Starting in 2027, Kuehne+Nagel will purchase Synhelion SAF from SWISS under a five-year agreement for its cargo shipments by Swiss WorldCargo. This reinforces its commitment to decarbonising logistics and offers customers the opportunity to reduce their CO₂ footprint.
“To meet the aviation industry’s climate targets, we must scale the production of synthetic SAF. At Kuehne+Nagel, we are taking the lead by partnering with SWISS and Synhelion to accelerate these technologies, making them economically viable,” explains Yngve Ruud, Member of the Management Board responsible for Air Logistics. “With it, we can offer our customers the opportunity to reduce their environmental footprint with this innovative technology.”
“Sustainable aviation fuels are a key building block for making air travel more sustainable. They remain scarce and costly—which is exactly why we need strong partners,” says SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger. “We are pleased to be working with Kuehne+Nagel to implement the first commercial offtake of Synhelion’s fuel. This marks an important step forward and sends a clear signal that we intend to actively shape this path.”
