International motor racing is committing to reduce its Scope 3 emissions through procuring SAF using book-and-claim. Formula 1 has announced its first investment in SAF as part of its “ultra-efficient logistics strategy” and a target of reaching Net Zero by 2030. The first phase focuses on SAF purchases through its global partner DHL for air cargo to and from ‘flyaway’ races since the Australian Grand Prix in March and covers around 20% of subsequent cargo flights this racing season. The UK-based Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One race team, meanwhile, began book-and-claim offsetting in 2022 and claims to be the first global sports team to do so. Its programme was facilitated by SAF supplier SkyNRG and British Airways. The team expects a fourfold reduction in its aviation emissions by the end of 2025 compared to 2022 through the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc).

Formula 1 said SAF is part of a continued transition to sustainable fuels across the sport and its operations. From 2026, F1 cars will run on 100% sustainable fuel, while F2 and F3 will reach that standard by next season, having been at 55% since the start of 2023, and the FIA safety and medical cars currently use 40% sustainable fuel. Grands Prix in Europe are delivered using biofuel-powered trucks and from next season, F1 will also power key operational areas using a low-carbon power solution provided by Aggreko.

It said as it wasn’t possible to directly fuel cargo planes used to move F1 freight with SAF, it is instead procuring it through DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, in which the amount of fuel needed would be ‘booked’ and added to the supply chain in other planes where SAF is directly available. “This ensures a high standard of product quality and traceability, with all carbon reductions verified before F1 can ‘claim’ them in their carbon footprint,” said Formula 1. “This model helps reduce carbon emissions with current SAF volumes and encourages future market growth.”

It added that SAF was to be “a core part” of Formula 1’s alternative fuel strategy and its use would be extended “in the coming months and years”. Other steps to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint include rationalising the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar where possible to create a better flow of races; utilising regional hubs in Europe, UAE and the US to reduce the distance freight travels between events; and redesigning cargo containers to fit on more efficient Boeing 777 aircraft, thereby reducing emissions by around 17%.

“Our longstanding partnership with Formula 1 is built on a shared passion for innovation and excellence. We are committed to using our expertise to transport Formula 1’s cars and equipment around the world in the most efficient way possible,” said Paul Fowler, Head of Motorsports Logistics, DHL. “With 40 years of expertise in motorsports logistics, we are focused on cutting down greenhouse gas emissions and making motorsport more sustainable with every step we take.”

“Formula 1 has always been at the forefront of innovation, and our early stage investment in sustainable aviation fuel is a testament to our dedication to deliver on our Net Zero by 2030 commitment,” commented Ellen Jones, Head of ESG, Formula 1. “SAF is just the latest step for the business and underscores how alternative fuels both on an off the track can materially reduce carbon emissions. This delivery of our sustainability strategy is only made possible through coordinated actions across our sport.”

An early adopter of SAF book-and-claim, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One motor racing team has estimated a total reduction of 18,500 CO2 equivalent tonnes (tCO2e) during 2024 and 2025, cutting 8,000 tCO2e this year and another 10,500 tCO2e next year, through SAFc.

“Our investment in sustainable aviation fuel is more than a strategy,” explained Alice Aspitel, the team’s Head of Sustainability. “We believe it can create a greener future. We see SAFc as a game-changer, a way for sports and businesses to make a lasting impact. We hope that our support for this sector can help trigger others to do the same and derive further investment in SAF production.”

Amsterdam-based SAF supplier SkyNRG said voluntary demand signals for the fuel were continuing to strengthen as airlines, cargo companies and corporations increasingly established ambitious SAF usage targets to help compensate for their contributions to flight emissions. It estimated in its 2024 global SAF market assessment that announced demand would reach 12 million tons (4 billion gallons) by 2030.

In its latest sustainability report, Mercedes-AMG Petronas said it was committed not just to leading automotive technologies, but also innovative sustainability measures.  

“As a Formula One team racing on multiple continents, aviation accounts for a significant portion of our carbon footprint, so our investment has significantly improved our overall environmental impact and supported our journey towards net zero, despite increased travel due to a growing race calendar.”  

In 2023, the team reduced its business travel emissions by 6,695 tCO2e, or 65%, compared to 2022, when emissions fell by 2,628 tCO2e.

Between 2022 and the end of 2025, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One expects to achieve total carbon emissions reductions of more than 27,500 tonnes through investment in SAFc, four times its annual reduction since adopting book-and-claim.

To ensure environmental integrity, the race team’s claimed reductions using SAFc are authenticated using the best practice accounting standards in the ‘SAF Certificate Emissions and Accounting Guidelines’ of the Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition.

“This reflects our commitment to understanding and addressing our environmental impact, while also supporting the growth and credibility of the SAF certificate market. We aim to showcase SAFc’s potential and demonstrate its impact, encouraging others to adopt SAFc and drive further investment,” the race team said.

The investment in SAFc also reflected the team’s twin strategy of buying book-and-claim certificates to support market growth while concurrently enhancing the capacity of refineries to increase production of SAF. 

“A net reduction in our emissions sits at the heart of our operations and the ambitious sustainability targets we have set ourselves,” said Toto Wolff, Team Principal and CEO of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team, also highlighting emission reduction initiatives in its ground operations, including the use of renewable fuel for support vehicles and shared transport for employees. “We continue to invest in innovative solutions and technology that will enhance our performance, helping us go further, faster,” he said.

SkyNRG said companies held unique positions in driving sustainable behaviours. “Adopting SAF sets your organisation apart as a sustainability leader in your industry,” the company said. “Investing in SAF and reducing your carbon footprint sends an inspiring message to your employees, customers and shareholders.”

Photo (F1): Formula 1 to procure SAF through DHL’s book-and-claim programme

Tony Harrington

Correspondent

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Additional reporting by Christopher Surgenor

Book-and-claim will be featured at Aviation Carbon 2024!

Cargo operator DHL Express and Brazilian airline Azul have become the latest carriers to join the early pacesetters in making commitments to take delivery of all-electric aircraft in the coming years, reports Mark Pilling. DHL has ordered 12 all-electric Eviation Alice eCargo aircraft from the Seattle-based manufacturer, with deliveries expected to begin in 2024. In its cargo configuration, the aircraft will be able to carry 1,200kgs of freight. In the other development, Munich-based all-electric aircraft pioneer Lilium jointly announced with Azul that the two companies intend to enter negotiations to build an exclusive electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) network in Brazil. If this deal comes to fruition, Azul will acquire 220 seven-seater all-electric eVTOL Lilium Jets with the first aircraft expected to enter service in 2025. Lilium has also announced new appointments to its board of directors, which is chaired by former Airbus CEO Thomas Enders.

Eviation’s deal with DHL is its first order for the Alice aircraft. The financial terms of the deal have not been revealed. “With this engagement DHL aims to set up an unparalleled electric Express network and make a pioneering step into a sustainable aviation future,” said the express service operator. “We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Therefore, our investments always follow the objective of improving our carbon footprint. On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of every transport mode plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall sustainability goal of zero emissions. Founded in 1969, DHL Express has been known as a pioneer in the aviation industry for decades. We have found the perfect partner with Eviation as they share our purpose, and together we will take off into a new era of sustainable aviation.”

Eviation said the Alice is on track for its first flight later this year. The aircraft has been specifically designed so that it can be configured for e-cargo or passengers. It can be flown by a single pilot and will carry 1,200 kilograms of cargo. Eviation said it will require 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour and have a maximum range of up to 815km and be capable of operating in all environments currently serviced by piston and turbine aircraft. “Alice’s advanced electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs,” explained Eviation. “Its operating software constantly monitors flight performance to ensure optimal efficiency.”

The aircraft is ideal for feeder routes and requires less investment in station infrastructure, said DHL, and can be charged while loading and unloading operations occur, ensuring quick turnaround times that maintain tight schedules.

“From day one, we set an audacious goal to transform the aviation industry and create a new era with electric aircraft,” said Eviation CEO Omer Bar-Yohay. “Partnering with companies like DHL, who are the leaders in sustainable e-cargo transportation, is a testament that the electric era is upon us. This announcement is a significant milestone on our quest to transform the future of flight across the globe.”

Added Eviation’s Executive Chairman, Roei Ganzarski: “The next time you order an on-demand package, check if it was delivered with a zero-emission aircraft like DHL will be doing. With on-demand shopping and deliveries on a constant rise, Alice is enabling DHL to establish a clean, quiet and low-cost operation that will open up greater opportunities for more communities.”

In May, DHL Global Forwarding joined United Airlines’ Eco-Skies Alliance programme along with other global corporations to purchase emissions reductions from the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through a ‘book and claim’ mechanism. The programme’s participants will contribute towards SAF purchases of 3.4 million gallons (12.9 million litres) this year, leading to a total reduction of around 31,000 tons of GHG emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel.

The decarbonisation of its operations is one of the main pillars of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s new sustainability roadmap announced in the first quarter of 2021. The Group said it is investing €7 billion ($8.2bn) by 2030 in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions. The funds will go towards electrification of its last-mile delivery fleet, sustainable aviation fuels and climate-neutral buildings. On the way to the zero emissions target by 2050, which has already been in place for four years, the company said it is committing to new, ambitious interim targets. The Group has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 in line with the Paris Climate Agreement.

At the headline level, the commercial and strategic alliance between Lilium and Azul would potentially be worth $1 billion. “Lilium plans to work with Azul to radically transform high-speed regional transportation in a country which sees close to 100 million domestic air passengers a year and is currently one of the world’s leading civilian helicopter and business aviation markets,” said the companies in a joint announcement. “Combining Azul’s deep knowledge of the Brazilian market with Lilium’s unique eVTOL aircraft platform, the companies plan to negotiate the terms for the establishment of a co-branded network in Brazil. As part of the commercial arrangement, Lilium would intend to sell 220 aircraft for Azul to operate across the network expected to start in 2025 for an aggregate value of up to $1 billion. The strategic alliance and aircraft order with Azul remain subject to the parties finalising commercial terms and definitive documentation.”

Azul would expect to operate and maintain the Lilium Jet fleet, while Lilium would provide an aircraft health monitoring platform, replacement batteries and other custom spare parts. Azul also expects to support Lilium with the necessary regulatory approval processes in Brazil for certification of the Lilium Jet and any other required regulatory approvals.

Lilium said it plans to be in operation in multiple regions in 2025, offering the opportunity to travel faster than existing high-speed alternatives and with zero-operating emissions. Lilium’s Brazil launch plans would be expected to provide significant incremental revenue alongside previously announced network launch plans in Germany and Florida in the United States.

Daniel Wiegand, co-founder and CEO of Lilium said: “Azul has brought convenient and affordable air travel to underserved markets across the Americas and this makes them an ideal partner for Lilium. We’re excited to work with Azul’s seasoned team to deploy a co-branded eVTOL network in Brazil.”

Azul CEO John Rodgerson said: “Azul is the largest domestic airline in Brazil in terms of cities served and daily departures. Our brand presence, our unique route network, and our powerful loyalty programme give us the tools to create the markets and demand for the Lilium Jet network in Brazil. As we did in the Brazilian domestic market over the last 13 years, we look forward to again, now with the Lilium Jet, working to create a whole new market in the years to come.”

David Neeleman, Chairman of Azul, said: “Since Azul’s founding 13 years ago, the Brazilian aviation market has doubled with Azul capturing almost 60% of the growth. We know how to create and grow new markets, and once again we see huge market opportunity by bringing the Lilium Jet to Brazil.” Lilium has also announced the appointment of Gabrielle Toledano, COO at Keystone Strategy, and Henri Courpron, founder and Chairman of Plane View Partners, and former chief executive of ILFC and Airbus North America, to Lilium’s board of directors. The board will be chaired by former Airbus Chief Executive Thomas Enders, upon completion of a previously announced merger with Qell. Led by Barry Engle, a former president of General Motors North America, Lilium’s deal with Qell Acquisition Corp will provide it with access to capital and industry experience.

Top image: DHL Express has ordered 12 all-electric Eviation Alice eCargo aircraft

Mark Pilling

GreenAir Contributing Editor

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