Bentley Commits to 100% SAF for Global Airfreight Logistics

Luxury automaker Bentley Motors has committed to using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for all its global airfreight operations, a significant step toward decarbonizing its complex logistics network. The initiative, announced as part of the company's 'Beyond100+' strategy, targets the reduction of emissions from its supply chain, a critical component of corporate sustainability efforts.

This decision positions Bentley as a leader in sustainable luxury mobility by directly addressing its Scope 3 emissions—indirect emissions that occur in a company's value chain. While airfreight constitutes a limited portion of Bentley's overall logistics, it is essential for time-critical deliveries and specific customer requests. By transitioning this segment entirely to SAF, the company sends a powerful demand signal to the nascent market for alternative aviation fuels.

A Strategic Emissions Reduction

According to Bentley, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can reduce lifecycle Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO₂e) emissions by up to 70-95% compared to conventional jet fuel. SAF is a biofuel produced from renewable sources such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, and other waste products. It is certified as a 'drop-in' fuel, meaning it is chemically identical to traditional jet fuel and requires no modifications to existing aircraft or airport infrastructure.

This move is a core component of Bentley’s ambitious 'Beyond100+' strategy, which aims for end-to-end carbon neutrality. Aimee Kelly, Head of Sustainability at Bentley Motors, elaborated on the decision. “Our transition to using certified Sustainable Aviation Fuel across all customer car airfreight movements reflects how we are taking measurable, evidence-based steps to reduce emissions in the parts of our logistics network where flights remain necessary,” Kelly stated. “This initiative forms part of Bentley's broader programme to reduce operational and value chain emissions in line with our long-term Net Zero ambition.”

Industry Context and Challenges

The aviation industry as a whole is under increasing pressure to decarbonize. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, has set a long-term goal for the sector to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade group representing most of the world's airlines, estimates that SAF could contribute around 65% of the total emissions reduction required to meet this target.

However, significant challenges remain. According to IATA data from late 2025, global SAF production was projected to account for just 0.8% of total jet fuel consumption in 2026. Furthermore, the cost of SAF remains a major barrier to widespread adoption, with prices ranging from two to seven times higher than conventional jet fuel. Commitments from major corporations like Bentley are therefore crucial for providing the financial certainty needed for fuel producers to invest in scaling up production.

Regulatory Tailwinds and Corporate Trends

Bentley's initiative aligns with a broader trend of automotive manufacturers addressing their logistics emissions. Companies like Mercedes-Benz have also entered partnerships with logistics firms to utilize SAF for their air cargo, indicating a sector-wide shift toward green logistics solutions. This trend is reinforced by a growing regulatory framework.

Schemes like ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) require airlines to offset CO2 emissions growth on international flights. Using SAF is a primary method for operators to lower their offsetting obligations. In Europe, the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates progressively increasing blends of SAF at EU airports, starting at 2% in 2025 and rising to 70% by 2050. These regulations create a guaranteed market for SAF, complementing the voluntary demand from the corporate sector.

By proactively adopting 100% SAF for its airfreight, Bentley not only gets ahead of compliance curves but also burnishes its credentials as an environmentally responsible brand. The move demonstrates a tangible commitment to reducing its environmental footprint across its entire value chain, a key differentiator in the luxury market.

Why This Matters

Bentley's decision is a high-profile example of a non-aviation company driving decarbonization within the air cargo sector. It underscores the growing corporate focus on comprehensive value chain (Scope 3) emissions and provides a crucial demand signal necessary to scale the global SAF market. For the aviation industry, such commitments from high-value cargo clients validate the business case for investing in SAF infrastructure and production, accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.

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