Sustainable Aviation
SHEIN Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel Use with DHL Partnership
SHEIN partners with DHL Express to pilot Sustainable Aviation Fuel in air freight, supporting emissions reduction amid market and regulatory challenges.
This article is based on an official press release from SHEIN.
On March 24, 2026, global fashion retailer SHEIN announced a new agreement with DHL Express to utilize the logistics provider’s GoGreen Plus service. This initiative integrates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into SHEIN’s international air freight operations, marking another step in the company’s efforts to address lifecycle emissions associated with its supply chain.
According to the official press release, the partnership is designed as an early-stage pilot to help the retailer evaluate economic feasibility, certification frameworks, and operational integration. SHEIN explicitly acknowledges that the immediate emissions impact will be modest relative to its total air transport footprint, reflecting broader constraints in the global SAF market where alternative fuels represent only a fraction of conventional jet fuel supply.
We note that this move builds upon SHEIN’s previous SAF pilot programs initiated in 2025, signaling a continued corporate push to support capacity-building activities and demand signaling, particularly within the rapidly evolving Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Expanding SAF Pilots and Logistics Partnerships
The DHL GoGreen Plus Agreement
Under the new agreement, SHEIN will leverage DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, which utilizes an “insetting” approach to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than fueling specific cargo planes directly with SAF, the fuel is introduced into DHL’s broader aviation network. The resulting lifecycle emissions reductions are then allocated to SHEIN using internationally recognized carbon accounting and certification frameworks.
“Signing the GoGreen Plus agreement with SHEIN marks another important milestone in DHL Express’s commitment to driving the green transformation of air logistics. As a long-term partner in SHEIN’s global logistics network, we are pleased to work together to explore how sustainable aviation fuel can be integrated into their air cargo operations.”
Building on 2025 Initiatives
The DHL partnership is part of a broader, multi-carrier strategy. Industry research highlights that in 2025, SHEIN procured 187.3 tonnes of SAF across 14 Atlas Air charter flights, achieving an estimated emissions reduction of 579.1 tonnes of COâ‚‚ equivalent (tCOâ‚‚e). Furthermore, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lufthansa Cargo in August 2025 to accelerate SAF adoption.
Regionally, SHEIN is also participating in a China-based SAF pilot program organized by China National Aviation Fuel (CNAF) and the Second Research Institute of Civil Aviation of China (CASRI). Through this initiative, the retailer plans to procure an initial batch of SAF from Air China Cargo, utilizing traceability mechanisms to track usage.
“Working with partners such as DHL allows us to better understand how sustainable aviation fuel solutions may be incorporated into air cargo logistics. Initiatives like this are part of SHEIN’s broader efforts to explore how emerging approaches across the aviation sector may contribute to addressing carbon emissions associated with air transport.”
Global Bottlenecks and the Cost of Decarbonization
Production and Pricing Realities
SHEIN’s press release notes that wider adoption of SAF remains constrained by limited production capacity and higher costs. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released in December 2025 provides stark context for these limitations. According to IATA, global SAF production reached 1.9 million metric tons in 2025. While this doubled the output of 2024, it still represented only 0.6% of total global jet fuel consumption.
Growth is projected to slow slightly in 2026, reaching an estimated 2.4 million metric tons, or roughly 0.8% of global demand. Furthermore, SAF currently trades at two to five times the price of conventional fossil jet fuel. IATA estimates that this premium added approximately $3.6 billion to the aviation industry’s fuel costs in 2025 alone.
Policy Friction
The macroeconomic challenges are compounded by regulatory friction. IATA has publicly criticized certain regional mandates, arguing that they have distorted markets and increased compliance costs without guaranteeing adequate fuel supply.
“SAF production growth fell short of expectations as poorly designed mandates stalled momentum in the fledgling SAF industry… If the objective is to increase SAF production to further the decarbonization of aviation, then they [policymakers] need to learn from failure and work with the airline industry to design incentives that will work.”
The Asia-Pacific Momentum
Regulatory Shifts and Capacity Building
The press release emphasizes strengthening the demand signal for SAF in the Asia-Pacific region through capacity-building activities. Industry data shows that APAC is currently undergoing a massive shift in SAF infrastructure and regulation, transitioning from voluntary goals to concrete mandates.
Singapore implemented a confirmed goal of 1% SAF by 2026, funded by a passenger levy, while Japan is finalizing a 10% SAF mandate by 2030. South Korea, India, and Indonesia are also rolling out blending roadmaps expected to take effect around 2027.
To support this regulatory push, physical infrastructure is scaling up. Neste operates a significantly expanded SAF refinery in Singapore, and Hong Kong-based EcoCeres is expanding into Malaysia. Additionally, in May 2025, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and GenZero launched “Green Fuel Forward,” an initiative specifically designed to scale SAF demand and build regional capacity for aviation decarbonization in APAC, involving major airlines and logistics firms like DHL.
AirPro News analysis
SHEIN’s latest announcement reflects a maturing corporate approach to aviation decarbonization. By explicitly stating that the emissions impact of these early-stage pilots will be “modest,” the company avoids the pitfalls of greenwashing and aligns its messaging with the stark realities of the global SAF market. The reliance on DHL’s GoGreen Plus “book-and-claim” model highlights that, for global shippers, insetting remains the most viable mechanism to participate in the SAF economy without requiring direct physical access to alternative fuels at every origin airport. As APAC mandates like Singapore’s 2026 target take effect, corporate demand signals from high-volume freight users like SHEIN will be critical in justifying the massive capital expenditures required for regional SAF refineries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DHL’s GoGreen Plus service?
GoGreen Plus is a service offered by DHL Express that allows customers to reduce the Scope 3 carbon emissions associated with their freight. It uses an “insetting” or “book-and-claim” model, where DHL purchases Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and introduces it into its broader aviation network, allocating the certified emissions reductions to the participating customer.
How much of global aviation fuel is currently SAF?
According to December 2025 data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF accounts for only 0.6% of global jet fuel consumption, constrained by limited production capacity and high costs.
Why is SAF more expensive than conventional jet fuel?
SAF is currently two to five times more expensive than conventional fossil jet fuel due to the high costs of feedstock collection, complex refining processes, and a lack of scaled production infrastructure globally.
Sources: SHEIN Press Release
Photo Credit: SHEIN
Sustainable Aviation
NGO Coalition Pushes EU to End Aviation ETS Exemption
The SASHA Coalition urges the EU to end its ETS exemption for international flights ahead of the July 2026 legislative review.
A coalition of environmental and industry non-governmental organizations is urging the European Commission to end the European Union Emissions Trading System exemption for international flights, a move proponents estimate could generate €130 billion in carbon market revenues between 2027 and 2035.
In a campaign coordinated by the SASHA Coalition, groups including Opportunity Green, Transport & Environment, and Carbon Market Watch are targeting the upcoming legislative revision of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) scheduled for July 2026. The coalition argues that integrating extra-EEA flights into the carbon pricing mechanism is necessary to fund clean aviation technologies, specifically electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (eSAF) and Direct Air Capture (DAC) infrastructure.
The financial and environmental cost of the exemption
The European Union initially included aviation in the ETS on January 1, 2012, but introduced a stop-the-clock mechanism exempting extra-EEA flights following international pressure. According to a policy briefing from the SASHA Coalition, this exemption left an estimated 1.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions unregulated between 2012 and 2023. The coalition calculates this resulted in €26 billion in uncollected carbon market revenues during that period.
If the exemption is maintained after its scheduled expiration in 2027, the coalition projects that 1.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will go unregulated through 2035. A full-scope ETS could generate an estimated €14 billion in annual revenue for European Union member states by 2030.
Industry perspectives on carbon pricing and CORSIA
The debate centers on the effectiveness of the United Nations Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The European Commission is required to assess by mid-2026 whether CORSIA delivers sufficient environmental ambition. Environmental groups argue the UN scheme is structurally unfit because it relies on offsetting rather than absolute emissions reduction and targets only emissions above a high baseline. Conversely, Airlines and industry groups have historically opposed extending the EU ETS to international flights, citing concerns over market distortions, potential violations of international law, and competitive disadvantages for European hubs.
Clean technology providers argue that a strong regulatory framework is required to drive investment. During a June 9, 2026 roundtable event at the European Parliament convened by the SASHA Coalition, NEG8 Carbon Head of Business Development Dr. David Mulrooney emphasized the necessity of the ETS for commercial strategy.
“To answer your question directly: the EU ETS is foundational to our commercial strategy. NEG8 supplies atmospheric CO2 capture. The stronger and more consistent the carbon price signal, the stronger the investment case for the infrastructure we sell into. ETS is not a policy backdrop for us. It is the market mechanism our business is built on,” Mulrooney stated.
Mulrooney advocated for directing ETS revenue into DAC and eSAF to drive down costs, similar to historical cost curves for solar power and batteries. Member of the European Parliament Cynthia Nà Mhurchú also spoke at the event, noting that regulatory certainty is critical for future planning.
AirPro News analysis
The July 2026 review of the EU ETS represents a critical juncture for European aviation policy. We observe that the European Commission is caught between two competing pressures: the mandate to meet aggressive decarbonization targets and the risk of triggering international trade disputes if it unilaterally prices emissions on extra-EEA flights. The SASHA Coalition focus on revenue generation for eSAF and DAC is a strategic pivot, framing the ETS not just as a punitive tax but as a necessary funding mechanism for the aviation industry transition. Overcoming airline opposition to overlapping carbon pricing regimes will require the Commission to clearly articulate how the EU ETS and CORSIA can coexist without creating prohibitive administrative and financial burdens for operators.
Sources: SASHA Coalition
Photo Credit: SASHA Coalition
Sustainable Aviation
Delta Air Lines Installs VCT Finlets on 240 Boeing 737NG Jets
Delta Air Lines will fit aerodynamic finlets from Vortex Control Technologies on 240 Boeing 737-800 and 737-900ER aircraft.
Delta Air Lines will install aerodynamic finlets from Vortex Control Technologies across 240 of its Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft to reduce drag and lower fuel consumption.
Announced in a company press release on June 17, 2026, the modification program targets the carrier’s Boeing 737-800 and 737-900ER fleets. The installation follows computational fluid dynamics analysis and flight test validation, aligning with Delta’s broader sustainability objectives to address the 90 percent of its carbon footprint generated by jet fuel.
Aerodynamic modifications and fleet implementation
The Vortex Control Technologies (VCT) finlet package consists of small aerodynamic devices installed on the aft fuselage of the aircraft. These structures are designed to reshape airflow around the tail section, reducing flow separation and improving overall pressure distribution. By mitigating aerodynamic drag, the finlets directly decrease the amount of thrust required during cruise, resulting in lower fuel burn.
Delta Air Lines Chief Sustainability Officer Amelia DeLuca stated that the carrier seeks out innovations that reduce environmental impact and generate long-term operational benefits.
“We appreciate the strong partnership with VCT throughout the evaluation process and are looking forward to this implementation to further support our ongoing fleet efficiency initiatives,” DeLuca said.
VCT Chief Executive Officer Gil Morgan noted that equipping the 240 Delta aircraft represents a significant milestone for the manufacturer.
“We are proud to provide a practical technology that helps airlines improve fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and enhance operating economics,” Morgan said.
Regulatory approval and industry adoption
The VCT finlet system operates under a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). The technology has steadily gained traction among Boeing 737 Next Generation (737NG) operators seeking incremental efficiency improvements. On September 26, 2025, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) validated the FAA STC, clearing the devices for installation on European-registered aircraft.
Other operators have also adopted the modification. On July 29, 2025, Avelo Airlines announced a follow-on order for additional VCT finlets. The carrier reported proven fuel savings and emissions reductions after 18 months of in-service performance across its own Boeing 737NG fleet.
AirPro News analysis
We view Delta’s adoption of aft-fuselage finlets as a pragmatic approach to extending the economic viability of its Boeing 737NG fleet. While winglets have long been the industry standard for drag reduction, aft-body modifications represent an incremental but valuable efficiency gain for mature airframes. As airlines manage delayed deliveries of next-generation narrowbody aircraft, retrofitting existing fleets with drag-reducing technology offers an immediate reduction in fuel burn and emissions without requiring significant downtime or capital expenditure.
Sources: Delta News Hub
Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines
Sustainable Aviation
ATR Calls for EU Action on Regional Aviation Decarbonisation
ATR urges the EU to support regional aviation decarbonisation through SAF, retrofits, and next-gen propulsion funding.
Regional aircraft manufacturer ATR is urging the European Union (EU) to implement a coordinated financial and regulatory framework to support the decarbonisation of regional aviation, warning that the bloc risks losing its industrial sovereignty in the aeronautics sector.
In a public statement issued on June 16, 2026, the manufacturer detailed its strategic priorities following a June 9 gathering at the European Parliament. The event brought together industry stakeholders and policymakers under the patronage of Members of the European Parliament (MEP) Claire Fita and François Kalfon.
Strategic priorities for European regional aviation
ATR is positioning the regional aviation sector as the essential testing ground for low-carbon technologies. The company argues that regional Commercial-Aircraft, due to their size and mission profiles, offer the first commercially viable scale for validating emerging propulsion systems and retrofit technologies under real-world airline operating conditions.
To accelerate this transition, ATR is lobbying for pragmatic financial support directed toward SAF deployment, retrofit programs, and the development of next-generation propulsion. The manufacturer stressed that without coordinated regulatory and financial backing, Europe’s aerospace industry could cede its leadership position to international competitors.
Balancing decarbonisation with connectivity
The European aviation sector is currently navigating a complex transition driven by stringent environmental regulations and the high capital costs associated with fleet renewal and alternative fuels. ATR highlighted a growing concern among regional operators that the aggressive push for low-emission aviation could disproportionately impact connectivity in remote and underserved areas if not supported by adequate funding mechanisms.
The manufacturer identified SAF as the most effective short-to-medium-term lever for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. However, ATR noted that widespread adoption requires coordinated regulatory backing to ensure adequate supply and to manage the associated costs for smaller regional operators.
AirPro News analysis
We view ATR’s lobbying efforts at the European Parliament as a strategic move to ensure regional aviation is not overlooked in the EU’s broader environmental funding allocations. As mandates like the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative take effect, regional Airlines face disproportionate financial burdens compared to major network carriers due to their tighter margins and smaller economies of scale.
By framing the turboprop segment as the necessary incubator for future technologies, ATR is attempting to secure direct EU investment for its operators and its own research and development pipeline. The emphasis on industrial sovereignty also aligns closely with current European political priorities, reminding policymakers that supporting domestic Manufacturers is critical to maintaining a competitive edge against emerging aerospace programs globally.
Sources: ATR
Photo Credit: ATR
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