Emirates Starts Sustainable Aviation Fuel at London Heathrow

Photo : Dubai Government Media office
 

Emirates has initiated a groundbreaking move in sustainable aviation by securing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Shell Aviation at London Heathrow Airport. This marks the airline's first venture into utilizing SAF for its flights at Heathrow, showcasing a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability.

Over 3,000 metric tonnes of SAF, blended with conventional jet fuel, will be supplied to Emirates' operations at London Heathrow Airport until the conclusion of the summer season in 2024. This substantial volume of SAF represents the largest purchase of sustainable aviation fuel by Emirates to date.

Emirates' participation in London Heathrow's SAF Incentive Programme underscores its dedication to making sustainable aviation fuels more accessible and commercially viable. The incentive programme aims to bridge the price gap between conventional jet fuel and SAF, facilitating its adoption by airlines operating at the airport.

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Emirates has implemented rigorous measures to account for, track, and trace the delivery of SAF at London Heathrow Airport, ensuring transparency and adherence to sustainability standards. The airline will closely monitor the sustainability attributes of the delivered SAF through robust reporting methodologies.

The sustainable aviation fuel obtained by Emirates from Shell Aviation will be seamlessly integrated into the existing airport fuelling infrastructure and utilized in aircraft jet engines. SAF, in its neat form, has the potential to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, contributing significantly to emissions reduction efforts in the aviation sector.

Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer of Emirates Airline, expressed the airline's enthusiasm for embarking on this sustainable aviation journey in collaboration with Shell Aviation and London Heathrow Airport. The participation in London Heathrow's SAF Incentive Programme demonstrates Emirates' commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives in its operations.

Al Redha emphasized the importance of initiatives like London Heathrow's SAF scheme in fostering the growth of sustainable aviation fuels and encouraging their widespread adoption by airlines. He highlighted Emirates' proactive approach to exploring opportunities for increasing the use of SAF across its network, in alignment with its sustainability goals.

Raman Ojha, President of Shell Aviation, lauded the continued collaboration between Shell Aviation and Emirates in advancing sustainable aviation. He underscored the significance of enabling airlines to decarbonize their operations through the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels.

Ross Baker, Chief Commercial Officer of Heathrow, expressed Heathrow's support for Emirates' participation in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel scheme. He highlighted the crucial role of sustainable aviation fuels in decarbonizing long-haul flights and emphasized the airport's commitment to supporting their adoption.

The SAF Incentive Programme at London Heathrow, launched in 2022, aims to reduce the price gap between conventional jet fuel and SAF, making sustainable aviation fuels more economically viable for airlines. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources in the aviation industry.

Emirates' SAF strategy encompasses various initiatives aimed at increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuels across its network. These initiatives include collaborating with corporate customers and freight forwarders, exploring long-term SAF projects with reputable partners, and supporting SAF ventures in the UAE.

Emirates has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through its participation in initiatives such as the Solent Cluster in the UK, which focuses on low-carbon investments and the potential establishment of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel plant. The airline's proactive approach towards sustainability underscores its dedication to reducing emissions and promoting environmental stewardship in the aviation sector.

Emirates' operations at London Heathrow Airport include a robust flight schedule serving multiple destinations. The airline operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including the iconic Airbus A380, on routes connecting London Heathrow with various destinations worldwide.

The acquisition of sustainable aviation fuel at London Heathrow Airport represents a significant milestone for Emirates and underscores its leadership in sustainable aviation. By embracing sustainable aviation fuels, Emirates is paving the way for a more environmentally responsible future in the aviation industry.