We’ve talked about Sustainable Air Fuel a bit on this blog, and how airlines are adopting it to reduce their carbon footprint as they attempt to hit net zero. We’re focusing on Emirates today.
Emirates and Neste have expanded their partnership by solidifying their collaboration for the supply of over 3 million gallons of blended Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel in 2024 and 2025.
The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which will be blended with conventional jet fuel, will be supplied over the course of 2024 and 2025 for Emirates’ flights departing from Amsterdam Schiphol and Singapore Changi airports.
The blended SAF will be comprised of over one million gallons of neat SAF. This represents a blended ratio of over 30% neat SAF combined with conventional Jet A-1 fuel.
Before the end of this year, the airline will also uplift SAF for the first time from its Dubai hub.
SAF reduces carbon emissions of air travel by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle when compared to using conventional jet fuel (when burnt in its neat form).
Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said:
“Today’s announcement is a milestone for Emirates and represents the acceleration of SAF procurement for our operations. It’s also one of the many initiatives we are focused on to reduce our carbon emissions, which includes operating fuel-efficient aircraft, stepping up our fleet renewal from 2024, in addition to driving operational fuel efficiency. Our ongoing partnership with Neste also demonstrates our active engagement and support of the rapidly developing SAF industry, and we hope that the robust demand coming from Emirates and other airlines encourages the scaling up of SAF and other emerging clean propulsion technologies.”
Alexander Kueper, Vice President EMEA from the Renewable Aviation business unit at Neste said:
“Sustainable aviation fuel is a readily available solution for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from air travel. We are proud to expand our existing cooperation with Emirates into 2024 as we are ramping up our global SAF production and continue to support their commitment to reduce emissions by supplying our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel.”
Developing the SAF strategy
Emirates has been busy working with Neste, along with other parts of the industry to complete the first 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight in the region. This used a Boeing 777-300ER operating on 100% SAF in one engine.
The airline has made strides along with its industry partners around the technical analysis and certification requirements that support standardization and future approval of 100% SAF flying. – which will become important as airlines edge closer to net zero.
The airline’s first flight powered by SAF blended with jet fuel took place in 2017 from Chicago. Since then, the airline has also uplifted SAF for flights from Stockholm and currently operates flights from Paris, Lyon and Oslo with blended SAF.
As you’re all aware, however, SAF supply is constrained, with a chasm between the amount of SAF generated versus the amount of aviation-grade kerosene consumed.
The Wall Street Journal has a great video explaining some of the challenges of production for SAF as we move forward and as demand increases.
The interesting note in this example, United Airlines needs 4 billion gallons of fuel per annum. SAF is currently making up a mere 10 million gallons.
Other airlines will run into this problem too as they seek to increase SAF uptake – including Emirates.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Our Social Media pool has expanded. You can find us across most networks as @economybeyond on Twitter, Mastodon, BlueSky, Threads and Instagram too!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
