Air New Zealand has delivered a cargo of Standard Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Wellington, New Zealand, marking its first delivery to the capital.
The 500,000 liter shipment, produced by EcoCeres in China, is 100% used cooking oil and supplied by Exxon Mobil, a step towards the airline’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“For a small island nation, alternative routes are critical to maintaining connectivity and supporting our business and tourism sectors,” Air New Zealand director of sustainability and corporate affairs Geri Hannifin said.
“SAF is currently the main method for aviation to achieve low carbon emissions,” he added.
For his part, New Zealand’s Climate Change Minister Simon Watts explained that transport energy represents 18% of the country’s total emissions. It is therefore encouraging to see the industry taking steps towards sustainable practices as it transitions to a low-emissions future.
According to the airline, the SAF delivery is the equivalent of 165 flights between Auckland and Wellington on an A320 aircraft and reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by 80% compared to fossil jet fuel. The export will operate Air New Zealand’s ATR 72-600 aircraft.
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