Lufthansa Cargo and Maersk have signed a cooperation agreement to promote the decarbonization of airfreight through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

This agreement involves Lufthansa Cargo using 400 metric tons of SAF on behalf of Maersk for the remainder of 2024. This move is a significant contribution, especially considering the traditionally high cargo volumes during the year-end period. The anticipated CO2 emissions reduction corresponds to at least 1.200 metric tons. 

According to Maersk, the SAF used by Lufthansa Cargo is produced from biogenic waste, such as used cooking oil, through the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) process. 

Since September 2021, all Lufthansa Cargo customers have been able to transport their cargo more sustainably by choosing the complementary service, Sustainable Choice. 

Throughout its entire lifecycle (production, supply process, combustion in the engine), SAF made from residual biomass has a CO2 footprint approximately 80% lower than conventional fossil kerosene. As a "drop-in" fuel, it can be integrated into existing flight operations infrastructure without requiring modifications. For operational reasons, it is not possible to refuel selected individual flights. 

Lufthansa Cargo offers this fuel through the Lufthansa Group, which collaborates with global partners in the research and development of SAF and the next generation of synthetic fuels. 

In addition to the use of SAF, Lufthansa Cargo, along with the Lufthansa Group, aims to reduce its net CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019 through mitigation and offsetting measures, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. 

Maersk's Energy Transition Lead, Morten Bo Christiansen, stated, "Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air freight is one of the most challenging tasks in the decarbonization of global logistics and supply chains. Maersk aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across all modes of transport, as well as in other business areas such as warehousing and container terminals. The adoption and availability of SAF in the aviation industry is still limited. Our agreement with Lufthansa Cargo enables Maersk to contribute to increasing its adoption." 

Meanwhile, Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo, emphasized that SAF is a key technological element for achieving more sustainable flights and is essential for the energy transition in aviation. "Together with Maersk, we are making a valuable contribution with this new agreement. At the same time, to achieve more sustainable flights, it is also necessary to make significant efforts to modernize the fleet and improve operational efficiency. Only through this interaction can we achieve sustainable change."