European aircraft manufacturer Airbus and China Aviation Fuel Group have signed an agreement to purchase sustainable aviation fuel for the flight operations of the upcoming aircraft delivered in Tianjin.
Airbus Tianjin will start flying operations using SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) by the end of this year, which will be the first time Airbus has used SAF for customer delivery in China. The aircraft manufacturer said the move demonstrates its long-term commitment to China's aviation industry. The fuel will be produced by Sinopec Zhenhai Refining and Chemical Co., Ltd., located in Zhejiang, a subsidiary of Sinopec , and is made of waste cooking oil. "In China, we hope to use SAF as one of the standard and long-term sustainable fuel options for future production and delivery of Tianjin Airbus. This is also our positive response to China's dual carbon target."
China's goal is to accelerate the process of reaching carbon peak by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by by 2060.
Xu said: "Airbus has a long-term strategy to contribute to the global air transport industry's commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. We are working with strategic partners to support the research and development of SAF."
SAF has been a sustainable production aviation fuel with raw materials including waste fat, oil and grease, as well as urban and forestry waste. Compared with fossil aviation fuels, SAF can help reduce carbon emissions by up to 85% throughout the life cycle of fuel use.
Increased use of SAF remains a key way to achieve the aviation industry's net zero carbon emission target by 2050. According to Waypoint 2050, the future blueprint for sustainable aviation industry is consistent with the Paris Agreement on climate change, and SAF can contribute 53% to 71% of the required carbon emission reduction.
Currently, all aircraft of Airbus are certified to fly with up to 50% SAF mixed kerosene. It said that by 2030, the company aims to achieve 100% SAF certification.
