Microsoft shifts to SAF made from used cooking oil for air freight

EVA Air, AIT Worldwide Logistics and Microsoft are launching a two-year program to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced from used cooking oil. In the first year, the project is expected to deliver around 15 thsd tons of CO₂ emissions reductions across Microsoft’s supply chain.

The SAF will be produced by Taiwan’s Formosa Petrochemical from used cooking oil. Both the feedstock and production process are certified under the ISCC system. According to the companies, the fuel can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by around 80% compared with conventional jet fuel.

EVA Air will provide Microsoft with SAF environmental attributes linked to flights departing Taiwan. This will allow the technology company to account for Scope 3 emissions reductions associated with air freight transportation of equipment for its cloud infrastructure.

SAF use has already become part of EVA Air’s long-term strategy. The airline has been using sustainable aviation fuel on flights departing Asia, Europe and North America since 2025 and has also signed a five-year SAF procurement agreement with Formosa Petrochemical.

The expansion of SAF is creating additional demand for used vegetable oils, which are among the main feedstocks for producing this fuel through the HEFA pathway. Platts assessed SAF HEFA-SPK FOB Straits at $2,487.25 per ton on August 25, down $10 from the previous day.

Tags: SAF, aviation fuel, used cooking oil, waste oils