Reimagining Air Freight with Blended Wings
Kuehne+Nagel partners with Natilus to explore eco-friendly air freight using blended-wing-body aircraft to cut emissions and boost efficiency.
Aviation Innovation
By Elke Porter | Canadian German Business News | May 29, 2025
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In a groundbreaking move for the logistics and aviation industries, global freight leader Kuehne+Nagel has announced a strategic partnership with aerospace innovator Natilus to explore the commercial viability of blended-wing-body (BWB) aircraft in air freight logistics. The collaboration aims to evaluate the environmental, operational, and economic impact of this futuristic aircraft design on global supply chains.
The BWB aircraft, developed by Natilus, promises to reduce fuel consumption by 30% and increase payload capacity by 40% compared to traditional aircraft. Unlike conventional tube-and-wing airplanes, the BWB structure integrates the wings and fuselage into a single, aerodynamic form, dramatically improving fuel efficiency and cargo volume. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize air freight by lowering emissions and cutting costs — key goals for both logistics providers and their clients.
Kuehne+Nagel, which services over 400,000 customers worldwide, brings deep industry expertise to the partnership. The company will work with Natilus on route modelling, operational cost analysis, emissions accounting, and engagement with key aviation stakeholders. The joint effort will assess how Natilus’s aircraft could complement existing fleets to enhance logistics efficiency and sustainability.
“At Kuehne+Nagel, we have consistently led the way in making air freight logistics more sustainable,” said Holger Ketz, SVP Network and Carrier Management Air Logistics. “This collaboration with Natilus is another example of how we continue to explore new technologies for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective air cargo solutions.”
As part of the partnership, Kuehne+Nagel and Natilus plan to collaborate with select air freight carriers to gather real-world data and demonstrate the advantages of integrating BWB aircraft into traditional fleets. The long-term goal is to provide a blueprint for the future of sustainable air logistics.
“Our partnership with Kuehne+Nagel is a meaningful step in helping the industry better understand the powerful advantages of blended-wing-body aircraft,” said Aleksey Matyushev, Co-Founder and CEO of Natilus.
With sustainability and innovation at the forefront, this collaboration signals a bold step forward in the evolution of air freight transportation.
About Kuehne+Nagel
Founded in 1890 in Bremen, Germany, Kuehne+Nagel has grown from a small freight forwarding company into one of the world’s leading logistics providers. With over 130 years of history, the company has built a strong global presence, now operating in more than 100 countries with over 80,000 employees. Headquartered in Schindellegi, Switzerland, Kuehne+Nagel is known for its commitment to innovation, service excellence, and sustainability across the logistics and supply chain industry.
Kuehne+Nagel’s core business areas include sea freight, air freight, road and rail logistics, and contract logistics. The company has established itself as a leader in air and sea freight forwarding, consistently ranking among the top logistics providers worldwide in both sectors. Their services extend beyond transportation to include supply chain management, customs brokerage, and value-added logistics services for a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.
#Aviation Innovation #Sustainable Logistics #Blended Wing Body #Air Cargo Future #Green Freight #Kuehne+Nagel #German Canadian Business News #Elke Porter
Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788
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