Airbus is setting new standards in the realm of eco-friendly aircraft fuel.
In a significant stride towards a greener future, Airbus has been actively promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in its operations. The European aircraft manufacturer has formed strategic partnerships, collaborated across the SAF value chain, and invested in alternative low-carbon technologies.
One of Airbus' notable collaborations is with TotalEnergies, a global energy company. This partnership aims to support sustainable aviation fuel development and supply, ensuring the availability and supply commitments in the market. Airbus also works closely with other stakeholders, including aircraft manufacturers, fuel producers, and airlines, to promote SAF adoption.
Airbus' efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the company used over 11 million litres of SAF in its operations, which is double the volume used in the previous year. This increased usage of SAF led to a reduction of CO emissions by 23,587 tonnes, exceeding the initial 2023 target of 10% of the total fuel used across Airbus' divisions by more than a million litres.
The Beluga, a transport vehicle used by Airbus, has been flying daily since December 2019, using SAF in its oversized operations. This contributes significantly to the roadmap to decarbonise Airbus' operations.
Airbus has also made a mark in the development of local SAF production. Through a partnership with Qantas and the Queensland Government, Airbus has contributed to the development of SAF production in Australia.
Moreover, Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China National Aviation Fuel (CNAF) to strengthen Chinese-European collaboration on SAF production and standard formulation. The company is also partnering with energy producers, airlines, and airports worldwide to help the industry meet its goal of 17.5 billion litres of SAF by 2030.
Airbus' commitment to sustainability is evident in its operations and partnerships. The company has joined initiatives such as the French "SAF in Occitanie" and the Japanese "Act for Sky" to anticipate and project future SAF volumes. In November 2023, Airbus and ICAO signed a Declaration of Intent to assess South America's SAF feedstocks and production under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ACT-SAF initiative.
Airbus has also taken steps to reduce its employees' carbon footprint. The company is working with airlines Volotea and AirCorsica to supply SAF for internal business travel. Airbus Helicopters delivery flights are routinely performed with SAF when available, with the target of almost half a million litres of neat SAF in 2024.
Airbus' dedication to SAF is reflected in its aircraft deliveries. In 2023, Airbus delivered more aircraft with SAF than any other year, with the company offering up to 5% pure SAF at no extra cost to customers. The second VOLCAN test flight campaign, using an A321neo powered by 100% SAF, was initiated in March 2023 by Airbus Commercial Aircraft business.
IndiGo was the first customer to take advantage of Airbus' offer of 5% SAF for a new A320neo delivery. Airbus has also set up a strategic partnership with DG fuels in the United States to support new technology and fuel production.
Airbus has shown that it is committed to a sustainable future. The company's strategies include strategic partnerships with SAF producers and suppliers, collaboration across the value chain to enable SAF availability and integration, investment in alternative low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen-powered aircraft, and commitment to sustainability reporting and tracking of SAF usage to refine future decarbonization approaches. These combined efforts support Airbus’ increasing use of SAF in its operations and contribute to the global push for decarbonized aviation fuel use in 2023 and beyond.
- Airbus, in its pursuit of environmental science, has formed a strategic partnership with TotalEnergies to support sustainable aviation fuel development and supply, aiming to meet industry demands.
- The finance sector has also been involved, as Airbus has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China National Aviation Fuel to strengthen international collaboration on renewable-energy development and standard formulation.
- Airbus is not merely focusing on aviation but also extending its reach to technology, as it partners with energy producers, airlines, and airports worldwide to harness the potential of SAF and decarbonize the industry by 2030.
- In line with its commitment to sustainability, Airbus is also investing in alternative low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen-powered aircraft, demonstrating its long-term vision for a greener climate-change future.
