Volkswagen-owned luxury carmaker Bentley Motors has announced a new initiative to exclusively use 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for all its customer car airfreight shipments globally, effective immediately. This commitment is part of Bentley's broader effort to reduce emissions linked to air transport while maintaining high customer service levels.

Supporting Bentley's "Beyond100+" Sustainability Strategy

This move aligns with Bentley’s "Beyond100+" sustainability strategy, which sets an ambitious target for the company to achieve end-to-end carbon neutrality by 2030. As part of this plan, Bentley is committed to transitioning its entire model range to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In addition to using SAF for airfreight, Bentley is also shifting its logistics operations to more sustainable alternatives, including hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for its in-house logistics vehicles. All operations at Bentley’s factory are now powered by renewable fuels or green electricity.

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Strengthening Long-term Climate Goals

Aimee Kelly, Head of Sustainability at Bentley Motors, emphasized that the use of SAF for airfreight is a key part of the company’s broader program to reduce operational and value chain emissions, which is in line with its long-term net-zero ambition. This initiative ensures that the company continues to provide responsible and sustainable distribution practices while supporting customers’ needs.

Airfreight Usage and Environmental Impact

Bentley clarified that airfreight is used only when absolutely necessary, such as for customer requests or time-sensitive market requirements. Since air transport generates significantly higher emissions compared to sea transport, the decision to shift all airfreight to certified SAF is a major step in minimizing the environmental impact of air shipments.

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Looking Ahead: Expanding SAF Use in Logistics

While this change primarily affects airfreight, Bentley is also exploring the possibility of extending SAF use across other logistics routes where airfreight remains necessary, aiming for broader sustainability improvements within the company’s supply chain.

SAF as a Key Element in Decarbonization

Bentley highlighted the potential of SAF to deliver significant, independently verified reductions in lifecycle CO₂ emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. This transition to SAF in airfreight is a meaningful step in the company’s ongoing efforts to decarbonize its logistics network and further reduce its carbon footprint.

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