Aer Lingus signs deal for SAF supply

Aer Lingus has signed a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply agreement with Gevo, Inc., U.S.-based renewable fuels producer. 

The agreement will see the purchase of 19,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel per year for five years and is a significant step by the airline in its commitment to a lower-carbon future. 

As part of IAG, Aer Lingus has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has committed to powering 10 per cent of its flights using SAF by 2030. 

The introduction of SAF as a renewable fuel source is instrumental for the airline in realising its ambitions. Aer Lingus plans to commence fuelling its aircraft with SAF from Gevo from 2026.

The supply agreement will see Aer Lingus purchase enough SAF to reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by at least 180,000 tonnes, the equivalent of powering 1,000 net zero CO₂ emissions flights between Dublin and Los Angeles on an A330 aircraft.  

 Credit: Aer Lingus

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer said: “This agreement with Gevo marks an exciting and critical step on our journey to net zero carbon emissions and underlines our commitment to powering 10 per cent of flights using sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. 

“The sustainable aviation fuel produced by Gevo will be used to power our flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco, and from 2026, 50 per cent of fuel purchased by Aer Lingus from California will be sustainable aviation fuel.”

Dr. Patrick R. Gruber, Gevo’s Chief Executive Officer added: “Gevo’s sustainable aviation fuel delivers renewable energy to a transportation sector that is actively seeking to reduce its carbon intensity. 

“Because our fuel is fungible and drop-in ready, it’s expected to have an immediate impact to help our partner airlines achieve their sustainability targets ahead of schedule.” 

Just last month (June 2022) Aer Lingus signed a lease agreement for two new Airbus A320neo aircraft which will see this new generation aircraft joining Aer Lingus’ fleet for the very first time. Investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft, along with SAF, is another key driver of Aer Lingus’ sustainability programme.

Other initiatives adopted by the airline to drive sustainability include a carbon offsetting tool which enables Aer Lingus customers to offset their flight emissions and support a range of global carbon reduction projects – such as rainforest protection and reforestation programmes.