Neste’s SAF biofuel tested in Boeing Emirates flight in 2023
Emirates has initiated the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in collaboration with Neste, Singapore, for flights departing from Singapore Changi Airport, marking a significant step in SAF investments in Asia. Over 807,000 gallons of blended SAF have been incorporated into the fueling system at Changi airport in recent weeks.
Neste, a Finnish company with a Singapore refinery, has been producing renewable products, including SAF, since 2010. The company’s Singapore facility, with 300 employees, is dedicated to producing exclusively renewable products.
Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer, Adel Al Redha, expressed the airline’s commitment to SAF adoption in Asia and acknowledged the potential for the region to become a leading supplier of SAF, which is currently in high demand.
Emirates is closely monitoring the delivery of SAF into its fueling systems, ensuring proper accounting and environmental benefit assessment through industry-standard methodologies. Earlier this year, the airline collaborated with Neste to introduce 2.6 million liters of neat SAF at Amsterdam Schiphol airport.
The SAF supplied by Neste is derived from sustainably sourced and 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. This SAF can be safely used in existing Emirates aircraft and fueling infrastructure, reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Emirates has already incorporated SAF into flights from Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Paris, Lyon, and Oslo, as well as at its Dubai hub. In 2023, the airline conducted landmark demonstration flights on the Boeing 777 and A380 with 100% SAF in one engine, supporting future certification for commercial airline operations.
While SAF is currently approved for use in all aircraft, the blending limit with conventional jet fuel is capped at 50%. Efforts are underway to increase this limit and expand the use of SAF across the aviation industry.
For more information on sustainable aviation fuels, visit the link provided.
