Qatar: Qatar Airways has taken a significant step towards sustainability by becoming the first Middle Eastern airline to sign a deal with energy giant Shell for the procurement of 3,000 metric tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Europe.
SAF is derived from biomass feedstocks, such as agricultural or forestry waste and cooking oil. It boasts an impressive environmental profile, emitting up to 80% fewer carbon emissions throughout its life cycle compared to traditional jet fuel.
This collaboration builds upon an existing jet fuel contract between Qatar Airways and Shell in Amsterdam. Under the new agreement, Qatar Airways will utilize at least 5% SAF throughout the contract period for the fiscal year 2023-2024.
The airline’s pursuit of sustainable fuel aligns with the objectives of the One World Alliance, a global aviation alliance that aims to incorporate SAF for 10% of its combined fuel volumes by 2030.
Qatar Airways Group CEO, Akbar Al Baker, expressed the airline’s unwavering commitment to increasing the use of SAF. He highlighted the significance of the multimillion-dollar SAF deal in Amsterdam, emphasizing the need for a robust SAF supply chain across their global network.
Moreover, Jan Toschka, President of Shell Aviation, emphasized the need for collaboration across the aviation sector to scale up SAF production and usage effectively. Toschka stated that the agreement exemplifies the concerted efforts required to drive aviation’s progress toward achieving net-zero emissions.
Qatar’s Ambition
As the first Middle Eastern carrier to secure a substantial amount of SAF in Europe, Qatar Airways sets a precedent for other airlines in the region. While challenges remain in achieving the industry’s net-zero emissions target by 2050, Qatar Airways’ proactive approach and collaboration with industry leaders like Shell are critical to accelerating the transition to a greener future.
Qatar Airways’ ambitious SAF procurement and commitment to sustainable aviation underscore its role as a leader in the industry.
