Emirates has announced that it has begun using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on flights departing from Singapore Changi Airport under its fuel agreement with Neste, marking the airline’s inaugural SAF investment in Asia.
Over the last few weeks, approximately 3.3 million liters of blended SAF became available in the fuelling system of Changi airport. For its part, Emirates is tracking the delivery of SAF into the fuelling systems. It also accounts for and assigns the fuel’s environmental benefits through standard industry methodologies. Earlier this year, the airline closely collaborated with Neste to supply 2.6 million liters of neat SAF to Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport’s fueling systems.
SAF reduced carbon emissions by 80 percent
Neste’s SAF comes from sustainable sources and 100 percent renewable waste. Its production also utilizes residue raw materials including cooking oil and animal fat waste. This agreement’s SAF is safe and compatible with existing Emirates aircraft and airport fuelling infrastructure. In neat form, it reduces lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel.
Emirates’ investment in Neste’s SAF in Singapore marks the airline’s first step in SAF adoption in Asia. Commenting on the launch, Adel Al Redha, deputy president and COO of Emirates, said: “As we procure SAF for the short term, we’ve got our sights set on longer-term agreements to help scale up a steady supply of SAF for our operations.”
Meanwhile, Alexander Kueper, vice president of renewable aviation business at Neste, said: “This makes Emirates the first international visiting carrier using SAF at the airport produced at our Singapore refinery and supplied into the airport via our integrated supply chain.”
Read: UAE reaffirms commitment to reduce carbon emissions in aviation sector
World’s first flights with SAF
In 2023, Emirates became the first airline in the world to operate two landmark demonstration flights from Dubai on the Boeing 777 and A380 with 100 percent SAF in one engine. Emirates made that achievement in partnership with Neste and other partners, supporting future certification of using SAF for commercial airline operations.
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