Vastflyg Becomes the World's 1st Airline to Use the Highest Possible Blend of SAF on All Flights

June 09, 2023

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With the European Climate Law to become climate-neutral by 2050, the aviation industry has also set its own ambitious climate targets to achieve net-zero by 2050. The Swedish airline Västflyg and Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport will be the first airline and airport in the world to only use and supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied by the Finnish producer Neste on all flights.

"The aviation industry is needed for a sustainable society and is expected to grow during the next 10-year period. But we must work even harder so that CO2 emissions from flights do not increase," explains Anna Petre, CEO of Västflyg. She says that with the support of our partners GKN Aerospace, Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport and Neste, Västflyg will be the first airline in the world to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on all its departures.

“At GKN Aerospace, we have been actively working to make the aviation industry more environmentally-friendly for many years. Our collaboration with Västflyg and Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport is an important step towards reducing carbon emissions in aviation. This effort not only sets an example for others to follow but also reinforces our belief in the power of working together towards achieving a positive change. We strongly believe that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), along with the development of more efficient aircrafts and advanced flight management systems, is key to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Projects like this one help drive the demand for SAF and encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices in the aviation industry.” David Bergman, Vice President Strategy & Business Innovation, GKN Aerospace Engines.

Västflyg will operate all its flights, including regular routes between Trollhättan-Bromma and Trollhättan-Visby, on fuel with a mixture of Neste MY Renewable Avation Fuel. "We will also use the biofuel mixture for our charter flights, which makes Västflyg a better choice for climate-conscious travelers," explains Anna Petre.

But it is not only Västflyg that is changing. From the middle of June, Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport will only offer Sustainable Aviation Fuel mixed with renewable jet fuel. "Small steps can lead to big changes and that is exactly what we think this investment shows. Our hope is that, together with Västflyg, GKN Aerospace and Neste, we can inspire and pave the way for a more sustainable future for the aviation industry", says Anna Råhnängen, CEO and airport manager at Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport.

Renewable aviation fuel is a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil jet fuel. Neste MY Renewable Aviation Fuel is produced 100 percent of raw materials from sustainably sourced waste and residual products, such as used cooking oil and animal fat. Renewable jet fuel is blended with conventional jet fuel and works together in existing aircraft engines and existing fuel infrastructure. Using sustainable aviation fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent* over the life cycle of the fuel compared to using fossil jet fuel.

"Renewable aviation fuel is widely recognized as a key factor in achieving aviation's goal of reduced emissions. Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport and Västflyg have taken a big and brave step to use only fuel with blended renewable aviation fuel for all departures. It shows their commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air travel and is a role model for other airports and airlines worldwide," says Alexander Kueper, VP EMEA from the business unit Renewable Aviation at Neste

"Today, the maximum permitted mixing of biofuel in aviation is 50 percent. The fact that it is precisely that limit means that rigorous tests of the jet fuel are required before all types of approval. By using today's permitted maximum mixture on all our flights, we will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40 percent from day one," continues a visibly proud Anna Petre CEO of Västflyg, who sees this investment as a first step in finding more sustainable  solutions for the airline and the customers.

Source : GKN Aerospace