How Bentley's Shift to SAF Will Power Decarbonisation

Bentley Motors has committed to using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for all customer car airfreight movements worldwide. This marks a decisive shift in how luxury automotive brands approach logistics decarbonisation. The policy took effect in 2024 and targets one of the most carbon-intensive aspects of the global supply chain whilst preserving the service standards that define premium vehicle distribution.

Airfreight remains a controlled component of the logistics infrastructure at Bentley. It is typically reserved for time-critical deliveries, specific customer requests or market requirements that cannot be met through alternative transport modes.

However, the emissions profile of air transport compared to maritime shipping has long presented a challenge. The transition to certified SAF addresses this disparity directly and offers substantial reductions in lifecycle emissions for movements where air transport cannot be avoided.

Aimee Kelly, Head of Sustainability at Bentley Motors, says: "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.

"SAF can deliver significant, independently verified reductions in life cycle CO₂e emissions compared with conventional jet fuel and this makes it a meaningful lever within our wider decarbonisation strategy."

"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," Aimee continues.

"By integrating SAF into our logistics operations in this transparent and verifiable way, we're strengthening the foundations needed to deliver our long-term climate goals, while supporting our customers and markets with more responsible distribution practices."

Reducing logistics emissions

The logistics sector has faced mounting pressure to address emissions across freight networks. This is particularly true in segments where speed requirements have traditionally necessitated high-carbon transport methods.

For luxury automotive manufacturers like Bentley, this tension between customer expectations and environmental responsibility has intensified. Scope 3 emissions are coming under greater scrutiny from stakeholders and regulatory frameworks.

Airfreight typically generates approximately 40 to 50 times more CO₂ per tonne-kilometre than sea freight. This creates a significant emissions hotspot within distribution operations.

The adoption of SAF could demonstrate how premium brands can maintain service velocity whilst reducing carbon intensity. The fuel is ISCC-certified and produced from renewable or waste-based feedstocks. It can reduce lifecycle CO₂e emissions by up to 70 to 95% compared with conventional jet fuel.

Ensuring infrastructure compatibility

A key advantage of SAF within current logistics frameworks is its compatibility with existing aircraft and airport infrastructure. Unlike alternative aviation technologies that require new engines, SAF functions as a drop-in replacement.

This characteristic allows logistics providers to reduce emissions without waiting for wholesale fleet replacement. It removes the immediate need for complex infrastructure overhauls often associated with hydrogen or electric aviation solutions.

Since implementing SAF, Bentley has moved customer vehicles using the alternative fuel and achieved measurable well-to-wheel CO₂e reductions. This immediate impact is crucial for meeting short-term climate targets.

The company has indicated that early exploration is underway to extend SAF usage across additional logistics routes. This suggests a phased approach to expanding the initiative beyond current customer car movements.

Signalling market demand

The commitment forms part of the Beyond100+ Strategy which positions sustainability as a central element of the brand's long-term direction. The strategy encompasses environmental considerations alongside social responsibility and innovation.

By mandating SAF for customer car airfreight, the brand is sending a demand signal to fuel producers. This comes at a time when SAF availability remains limited and cost premiums persist.

When major automotive manufacturers commit to certified sustainable fuels, it could accelerate infrastructure investment. The move also places requirements on logistics providers to source and deploy SAF.

This initiative addresses one of the more difficult-to-decarbonise elements of luxury automotive operations. Whilst electrification dominates public discussion, the emissions associated with how vehicles reach customers represent a substantial component of a manufacturer's total carbon footprint.