Cargolux and global freight forwarding partner AIT Worldwide Logistics have signed the largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) deal in their history, in collaboration with Microsoft, for the transportation of their server racks (Microsoft Cloud Logistics).

The flag carrier cargo airline of Luxembourg noted that this partnership will result in a saving of 66,000 tonnes of CO2e over three years, between 2025 and 2027.  

The SAF, produced and delivered by Valero Marketing & Supply Company Diamond Green Diesel LLC, is based on used cooking oil and tallow – without palm oil or any derivatives – ensuring an ethical and sustainable supply chain.

Cargolux said this is added to its fuel inventory at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH).

Cargolux and AIT are using the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) Registry to track and retire sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) claims, ensuring transparency in the process. The collaboration reinforces accountability in aviation sustainability, with the SAF certified under EU and CORSIA standards.

"Collaboration across our supply chain ecosystem is crucial as we continue to drive toward Microsoft's sustainability goals. By working together to increase the production and use of SAF, we can help to cost-effectively drive down emissions and increase the potential for more use of alternative fuels across the transport ecosystem," Colin Todd, general manager of cloud manufacturing operations & fulfillment, Microsoft, said.

 Photo courtesy of Port of Long Beach

AIT's Vice-President, Global Sustainability, Chelsea Lamar noted that this partnership between forward-thinking companies will serve as a "model" for future cooperation. "We look forward to advocating for similar deals with like-minded shippers in the near future."

Lamar said "securing this noteworthy volume of SAF with Cargolux over a three-year period is a key aspect of AIT's global supply chain solutions for Microsoft Cloud Services, enabling all parties to strive closer towards our emissions reduction goals."

"This agreement demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships in the journey to sustainability. Our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint is unwavering and we will continue to work towards this goal despite the volatility we face in our industry," Domenico Ceci, Cargolux executive vice-president sales & marketing, said.

"We are proud of achieving this milestone with AIT and contributing to paving the way for a sounder supply chain," he added.

Cargolux emphasized that partnerships play a crucial role in advancing the air cargo industry and strengthening efforts to cut carbon emissions. The collaboration highlights how transparency among industry players can drive meaningful progress.