(TAN): Air France and Shell have signed a memorandum of understanding signaling their intent to fuel flights from San Francisco International Airport using a blend of conventional and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with effect from 1 June 2020.
This collaboration between Air France, World Energy, and Shell exemplifies a supply of SAF that is mature enough to be integrated into airlines’ daily operations.
The SAF is notably made from inedible waste fats and oils. This RSB -certified alternative fuel meets strict sustainability standards and can be delivered via the airport’s hydrant system. The airline anticipates that this initiative will help save approximately 6,000 tons(3) of CO2 (5) over a period of 16 months.
[ALSO READ: Radisson Blu Hotel, Milan gets a stylish makeover]
Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France said, “Sustainable Aviation fuels are integral to our sustainability approach. They constitute an immediate concrete response to our environmental challenges and we must encourage their production. This initiative in California demonstrates that when states set up incentive mechanisms, production picks up and airlines are given the means to take action. We as a community must look at this as an example and duplicate it around the world, notably at home, in France.”
Air France has long advocated the creation of a viable sustainable aviation fuel sector. A pioneer in its use on commercial flights, Air France first initiated experiments as early as 2014 and has since heavily invested in innovation, working hand-in-hand with researchers.
Its sustainable development agenda for 2030 involves cutting CO2 emissions by 50%, which Air France notably aims to achieve by investing in fuel-efficient aircraft.
Anna Mascolo, Vice President Shell Aviation commented, “Along with new technologies and offsets, sustainable aviation fuels have a huge role to play in reducing emissions from air travel. With urgent action and industry collaboration it is possible to fly and emit less. However, we are still at the beginning of the journey with significant opportunity to increase the supply of sustainable aviation fuel and replicate successes such as this globally. At Shell we are committed to working with the industry towards a more sustainable aviation industry. Commitments like this from Air France can only help accelerate this journey, giving producers the assurance to invest in building refinery capacity and enabling us to develop the supply infrastructure required.”
Related posts:
Air France to offset CO2 emissions on domestic flights from 2020
Delta, Deloitte near agreement for business travel with lesser CO2 emissions
Biggest sustainable fuel agreement in aviation history: United, Honeywell invest in new cleantech venture from Alder Fuels
United promises to triple SAF use in 2023
