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 accelerate progress in sustainable aviation. With the signing of an MoU, the two companies have agreed to collaborate more closely on sustainability initiatives, with a particular emphasis on innovative technologies that improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared commitment to the use and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced by Synhelion, a Swiss clean technology pioneer. Synhelion has developed a proprietary process that uses concentrated sunlight to convert biogenic and recycled carbon into renewable synthetic fuels, including solar jet fuel. By supporting this technology, Kuehne+Nagel and SWISS aim to contribute to the long-term decarbonisation of air transport.
To help scale production and accelerate innovation, Kuehne+Nagel, SWISS and its air freight division, Swiss WorldCargo, have agreed on a long-term SAF off-take arrangement. This agreement provides Synhelion with critical planning security, enabling the company to expand production capacity and continue advancing its technology. Such long-term commitments are seen as essential to supporting emerging SAF producers and driving wider adoption across the aviation industry.
From 2027, Kuehne+Nagel will purchase Synhelion-produced SAF from SWISS under a five-year agreement for use on its cargo shipments operated by Swiss WorldCargo. The arrangement underlines Kuehne+Nagel’s commitment to decarbonising global logistics while giving its customers the opportunity to actively reduce the CO₂ footprint associated with their air freight movements.
Together, Kuehne+Nagel and SWISS are positioning their partnership as a practical model for how airlines and logistics providers can jointly support innovative technologies and accelerate the transition towards more sustainable aviation.
“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.”
