Neste and Air New Zealand have signed an agreement to supply nine million liters of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. This is the largest purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made by any airline outside North America and Europe for delivery before the end of 2024.
The sustainable aviation fuel will be produced at Neste’s Singapore refinery, which expanded its SAF production capability last year and is currently ramping up SAF production. The neat SAF will be blended with conventional jet fuel to meet the required fuel specifications and supplied to Los Angeles International Airport between 1 April and 30 November 2024.
“Decarbonising Air New Zealand’s operations are essential for its long-term ability to connect New Zealanders to the world, as well as support the country’s trade and tourism sectors, and SAF is a key enabler of this,” says Air New Zealand’s Chair Dame Therese Walsh.
“Sustainable aviation fuel is currently the only solution to significantly reduce emissions from long haul flight, but it currently makes up less than 1% of the global fuel supply. For aviation to reach its net zero carbon emissions goals by 2050, the SAF industry will need to scale significantly. While the SAF supply is small compared with the airline’s overall fuel use, it is nine times the size of Air New Zealand’s first shipment of SAF from Neste in 2022 and demonstrates growing cooperation between two like-minded organizations to advance the supply and use of SAF,” Walsh adds.
Sustainable aviation fuel is a renewable aviation fuel that provides a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle. It is also made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and raw materials that are residues, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel before use and works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.
