Cargolux & AIT Worldwide Logistics Sign Historic Sustainable Fuel Deal

On Tuesday 20 May 2025, Luxembourg’s Cargolux announced that it had signed the largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) deal in its history with global freight forwarding partner AIT Worldwide Logistics, in collaboration with Microsoft. 

Cargolux reported that this partnership, which will use the SAF for the transportation of its server racks supplied by Microsoft Cloud Logistics, would 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 (animal fat) - without palm oil or any derivatives – reportedly ensuring an ethical and sustainable supply chain. Cargolux noted it has added the fuel to its inventory at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH) in the United States.

Building on their commitment to responsible operations, Cargolux and AIT have detailed that they are utilising the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) registry to ensure a transparent and credible process for tracking and retiring SAF claims. They added that this collaboration strengthens accountability in sustainable aviation, with the neat SAF itself certified under EU/CORSIA standards.

General Manager of Cloud Manufacturing Operations & Fulfilment at Microsoft, Colin Todd, stated:“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.” 

AIT's Vice-President, Global Sustainability, Chelsea Lamar, said: “Securing this noteworthy volume of SAF with Cargolux over a three-year period is a key aspect of our global supply chain solutions for Microsoft Cloud Services, enabling all parties to strive closer towards our emissions reduction goals.” She added: "This alliance between forward-thinking companies will serve as a model for future cooperation and we look forward to advocating for similar deals with like-minded shippers in the near future."

Cargolux Executive Vice-President Sales & Marketing, Domenico Ceci, remarked: “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. We are proud of achieving this milestone with AIT and contributing to paving the way for a sounder supply chain.”

Cargolux emphasised that “partnerships are key to breaking new ground in the air cargo industry and reaffirming the key players' dedication to reducing carbon emissions. This collaboration showcases how transparency between different actors can yield significant benefits for all involved.”