Airbus takes flight with record sustainable aviation fuel usage

In an important milestone for the the aerospace industry's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Airbus announced it has has elevated its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to record highs. The year 2023 witnessed Airbus surpassing its initial SAF target, using over 11 million litres of SAF in its operations – twice the volume compared to 2022. This achievement not only exceeded the 10% target for SAF usage across Airbus divisions but also accounted for 0.02% of all SAF produced globally during the year. The impact? A reduction of 23,587 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

How Airbus achieved it:

1. Transport and operations. The Beluga, Airbus's massive cargo aircraft, now flies using SAF to transport parts from manufacturing sites to final assembly lines. The Beluga's regular flights from Bremen Airport demonstrate the practical application of SAF.

2. Employee travel. Collaborating with airlines like Volotea and AirCorsica, Airbus supplies SAF for internal business travel. In 2023, Airbus signed an agreement with Air France to purchase SAF for employee travel between five European cities. More routes are set to follow as Airbus seeks agreements with other airlines.

3. Flight tests. SAF plays a crucial role in flight tests. Airbus Helicopters uses SAF for development test flights and training in France and Germany. 

4. Aircraft deliveries. In 2023, Airbus delivered more aircraft with SAF than ever before. The company offers airlines up to 5% pure SAF, at no extra cost, supporting their decarbonisation efforts. IndiGo became the first customer to benefit from this offer during the delivery of a new A320neo.

5. Partnerships. Airbus is working with energy producers, airlines, and airports worldwide to achieve the industry's goal of 17.5 billion litres of SAF by 2030.

Airbus's commitment to SAF is part of the aerospace industry's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, paving the way for cleaner skies and a greener future.