Emirates has started operating its first flights using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) provided by Shell Aviation at Dubai International Airport (DXB). The airline’s flight EK 412 to Sydney on October 24 was among the first to use SAF. Shell has supplied 315,000 gallons of blended SAF, which has enabled Emirates to power several flights in the past few weeks. The blended SAF consists of 40% neat SAF and 60% conventional Jet A-1 fuel, with the same chemical characteristics as conventional jet fuel. This allows it to seamlessly integrate into the existing fuel infrastructure and the engines of the Emirates fleet without any modifications.

SAF, in its neat form, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its life cycle compared to conventional jet fuel. Emirates has been monitoring the delivery, use, and environmental benefits of SAF through Avelia, Shell Aviation’s blockchain-powered book and claim solution.

Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said that the airline is taking proactive measures to enable sustainable flying and reduce emissions. He hopes that the partnership with Shell Aviation will encourage more producers to make SAF readily available in major hubs like Dubai.

Jan Toschka, President of Shell Aviation, expressed his excitement about enabling SAF usage in the UAE and said that the collaboration between Emirates and Shell demonstrates what can be achieved when different parts of the aviation value chain come together. The hope is that this milestone will inspire further advancements in SAF adoption in the UAE and the wider region.

Emirates has been actively researching SAF use in higher blends, performance, safety, and reliability. While the airline has been using SAF since 2017, 100% SAF is not yet approved for regular commercial use. Emirates is participating in industry and UAE government working groups to help scale the production and supply of sustainable aviation fuel.

In addition to its SAF efforts, Emirates has operated demonstration flights powered by 100% SAF and has used blended SAF on flights from various cities in Europe. The airline is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint and engaging with stakeholders to achieve sustainable aviation.