Airbus expands sustainable aviation fuel use in operations

Airbus is expanding its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across its operations, including delivery centers and business travel. Several Airbus assembly sites, such as those in Toulouse, Hamburg, and Mobile, have started using SAF internally. By the end of 2025, Airbus plans to ensure that all aircraft deliveries come with SAF on board, at no extra cost to customers. In 2024, 75% of aircraft deliveries used a SAF blend, and that number is expected to rise as more sites begin to incorporate SAF. SAF is vital for the aviation industry to meet its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that SAF could account for 65% of the necessary emissions reductions. Currently, Airbus uses 16% SAF in its operations, which includes business travel and delivery flights. The company has partnered with SAF providers like TotalEnergies to meet its needs. TotalEnergies has supplied SAF for deliveries since 2016, and as of 2024, they provide more than half of Airbus’s SAF in Europe. Airbus is also collaborating with airlines. Volotea has been using a SAF blend for internal flights since 2022. Additionally, Airbus and Air France-KLM initiated a “SAF fares agreement” for employee travel between several European cities. In late 2024, Airbus launched a pilot with easyJet for flights between Toulouse and Bristol, financing SAF for this route. A separate trial with Wizz Air involved over 50 flights using a SAF and traditional fuel blend. Despite increased SAF availability, its higher cost compared to traditional jet fuel remains a challenge. Airbus acknowledges the price gap and is committed to fostering the SAF ecosystem. In 2024, Airbus invested in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Financing Alliance and partnered with companies like Crysalis Biosciences and LanzaJet to scale SAF production. LanzaJet recently opened a new SAF plant in Georgia capable of producing 9 million gallons annually. Looking ahead, Airbus aims to raise the share of SAF in its fuel mix to at least 30% by 2030.