Air New Zealand continues on its Flight NZ0 journey to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 with its first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) import to power the airline’s fleet and reduce the aviation industry’s impact on climate change.
The initial 1.2 million-litre import can fuel around 400 return flights between Auckland and Wellington and in its neat form, the SAF will reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to fossil jet fuel.
Produced by the world’s largest SAF supplier, Neste, the SAF is made from sustainably sourced, renewable waste and residue raw materials.
Imported in partnership with Z Energy, this first shipment will be used to help Air NZ test and set up the supply chain for importing SAF into New Zealand.
Air NZ CEO Greg Foran said the airline is committed to getting the fleet up and running on SAF and this shipment marks the beginning of regular imports.
“This is a major milestone for us. We made a commitment when we announced Flight NZ0 earlier this year to find a more sustainable way to connect with the world,” he said.
“Air New Zealand is already one of the most fuel-efficient airlines in the world with our modern fleet, but the future of travel relies on low-carbon air transport.
“Currently, SAF makes up less than one per cent of the global fuel supply and is around three to five times the cost of fossil jet fuel, so while sourcing it is a challenge, it’s one we are tackling. By 2030, we expect our fleet to be fuelled by 10 per cent SAF.”
Import partner Z Energy’s CEO Mike Bennetts said Z is already investing in low-carbon revenue streams that are better for their customers and the planet.
“We recognise the need for SAF to become the norm in Aotearoa and it is a key part of Z’s roadmap to support our customers on their journey to a low-carbon future,” he said.
“We are pleased to work alongside Air New Zealand and Neste to bring this SAF shipment into the country and recognise collaboration with others will be essential to help us decarbonise at the scale and pace needed to address climate change.”
To find out more, head to airnewzealand.com/sustainability
