A major collaboration between DSV, Microsoft, United Airlines, and Phillips 66 is speeding up efforts to reduce aviation emissions by securing access to 11 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This agreement is one of the largest corporate SAF deals so far and marks an important step in lowering lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions in a sector that is difficult to decarbonise.

The fuel volume, equivalent to about 41.6 million litres, is expected to reduce emissions by nearly 100,000 tonnes compared to regular jet fuel. The initiative also shows the growing importance of innovative market mechanisms like the book-and-claim model, which allows companies to invest in low-carbon fuel solutions without needing direct physical access.

Coordinated Demand to Unlock SAF Supply

The agreement tackles a long-standing issue in aviation sustainability: the limited and expensive supply of SAF. By pooling demand from several companies, the partnership creates the scale needed to boost production while lowering financial risks for suppliers.

This coordinated demand model marks a new approach to procurement. Instead of individual companies negotiating separate contracts, the alliance streamlines commercial terms throughout the entire value chain. This method enables long-term contracts, making SAF production more viable while ensuring steady access for buyers.

Frank Sobotka, CEO of the Air and Sea Division at DSV, highlighted that this collaboration supports the company's long-term sustainability goals and strengthens its commitment to helping customers move to lower-emission transport solutions.

Book-and-Claim Model Gains Momentum

A key element of the agreement is the book-and-claim system, which is becoming more popular in sectors with limited availability of low-carbon fuels. Under this model, United Airlines will physically use the SAF, while DSV and Microsoft will claim the associated emissions reductions.

This system lets companies with global operations reduce emissions in their supply chains, even if SAF isn’t readily available in their operating regions. Emissions reductions are tracked and verified through solid certification frameworks, including systems backed by international sustainability standards and SAF registries. These mechanisms prevent double counting and ensure credibility in carbon accounting.

Lauren Riley, Chief Sustainability Officer at United Airlines, called the deal the largest SAF supply agreement with a single customer under the airline’s Eco-Skies Alliance program. She pointed out that it shows how coordinated efforts across the value chain can lead to significant emissions reductions.

Corporate Demand Driving Climate Action

For Microsoft, this partnership is part of a broader strategy to cut emissions in its global logistics and cloud infrastructure operations. Aviation contributes significantly to Scope 3 emissions for multinational companies, making solutions like SAF essential for achieving climate goals.

The involvement of large corporate buyers not only enhances financial support for such initiatives but also signals increasing demand for reliable and scalable carbon reduction solutions. As companies face more regulatory scrutiny and investor expectations, partnerships like this are becoming central to sustainability strategies.

Marco Eipper, General Manager of Cloud Supply Chain Logistics at Microsoft, emphasized that collaboration across the aviation value chain is key to speeding up SAF adoption and supporting the shift to low-carbon air transport.

Energy Infrastructure Enables Scale

Phillips 66 plays a vital role in delivering SAF at scale through its refining capacity, logistics network, and operational know-how. The company’s ability to supply SAF immediately, rather than depending on future or experimental projects, adds a practical aspect to the agreement.

Ronald Sanchez, Vice President of Aviation at Phillips 66, noted that the company’s integrated infrastructure allows it to meet the rising demand for lower-carbon aviation fuel while producing measurable environmental benefits. This readiness is especially important as many SAF projects worldwide are still in the early stages of development.

Implications for Industry and Investors

The agreement highlights a broader change in how industries approach decarbonisation. Companies are increasingly creating ecosystems that balance demand, supply, and financing to speed up climate solutions.

For business leaders, the message is clear: access to sustainable resources like SAF will rely on collaborative models that lower risk and create economies of scale. For investors, this deal signals the rise of a more structured SAF market supported by certification systems, registries, and innovative financing tools.

As aviation faces growing pressure to reduce emissions, this partnership may serve as a model for scaling sustainable aviation fuel globally. By combining corporate demand with energy infrastructure and market-based mechanisms, the alliance shows how coordinated action can transform climate ambitions into real progress.