EVA Air partners with logistics and tech firms on sustainable fuel program

EVA Air has partnered with logistics firm AIT Worldwide Logistics, technology company Microsoft, and fuel supplier Formosa Petrochemical to expand use of sustainable aviation fuel, known as SAF, on flights originating in Taiwan.

Under the arrangement, Microsoft will receive environmental credits for roughly 15,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in the program's first year, according to the companies. The credits are meant to offset so-called scope 3 emissions tied to air freight of equipment for Microsoft's cloud computing infrastructure.

Formosa Petrochemical produces the fuel from used cooking oil. Over its full lifecycle, the companies said, the fuel generates about 80 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional jet kerosene.

EVA Air and AIT Worldwide Logistics plan to run the initiative jointly for an initial two-year period. After that, the partners are expected to assess whether to continue or expand it.

The deal is part of a broader push among cargo carriers and shippers to reduce the carbon footprint of air transport, particularly for corporate customers looking to lower emissions linked to their supply chains. No financial terms of the agreement were disclosed.