Lufthansa Cargo and A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) have joined forces to promote sustainable air freight by integrating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into operations. Under a new agreement, Lufthansa Cargo will utilize 400 metric tons of SAF on behalf of Maersk during the rest of this year, reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 1,200 metric tons. This initiative coincides with peak year-end cargo volumes, highlighting its significance in supporting greener logistics.
The SAF, derived from biogenic residues such as used cooking oil via the Hydro-processed Esters & Fatty Acids (HEFA) process, offers an 80% lower CO2 footprint over its lifecycle compared to conventional kerosene. As a ‘drop-in’ fuel, SAF seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructures, enabling scalable adoption without altering flight operations. Lufthansa Cargo’s use of SAF (since SEP21) reflects its commitment to the Lufthansa Group’s goal of halving net CO2 emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Maersk, a leader in sustainability with Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated net-zero targets, will allocate the emissions reduction achieved through its ECO Delivery Air product, designed to offer greener logistics solutions.
Both companies emphasize innovation and collaboration to advance climate goals. Lufthansa Cargo operates one of the most efficient fleets, the Boeing 777 freighters, while Maersk targets net-zero emissions across transport and logistics operations by 2040. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to decarbonizing supply chains and setting benchmarks for sustainable air freight practices globally.
Morten Bo Christiansen, Head of Energy Transition at A.P. Moller – Maersk, commented: “Cutting greenhouse gas emissions from air freight is one of the most challenging tasks within the decarbonization of global logistics and supply chains. This is why we are excited to partner with Lufthansa Cargo in this important task. The uptake and availability of SAF in the aviation industry is still limited. Our agreement with Lufthansa Cargo enables Maersk to contribute to an increase in the uptake.”
Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, added: “SAF is a decisive technological key to more sustainable flying and essential for the energy transition in aviation. With Maersk we are jointly making a valuable contribution with the new agreement. At the same time, more sustainable flying also requires major efforts for a modern fleet and increased efficiency in flight operations. It is only through this interplay that change can be achieved sustainably.”
