Air New Zealand has reached its next stop on its Flight NZ0 journey, its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline will next week welcome the first shipment of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into New Zealand. The shipment of SAF is imported into New Zealand in partnership with Z Energy.
The 1.2-million-liter import of neat SAF is equivalent to fueling around 400 return flights between Auckland and Wellington. In its current neat form it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle compared to fossil jet fuel use.
The first shipment will be used to help test and set up the supply chain for importing SAF into New Zealand. As SAF is a drop in fuel, it will be put into the fuel system at New Zealand’s Marsden Point harbor, where it will make its way down to Auckland Airport and will be delivered to Air New Zealand through the regular jet fuel supply chain.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran says the airline is committed to getting the Air New Zealand fleet up and running on SAF and this shipment of fuel from Neste marks the beginning of making regular imports a reality. “This is a major milestone for us. We made a commitment when we announced Flight NZ0 earlier this year to find a more sustainable way to connect with the world. Air New Zealand is already one of the most fuel-efficient airlines in the world with our modern fleet, but the future of travel relies on low-carbon air transport.”
“While we are starting out small, it will help us to understand how we can ensure the supply chain is robust enough to keep up with demand. Currently, SAF only makes up less than 1 percent of the global fuel supply and is around three to five times the cost of fossil jet fuel, so while sourcing it is a challenge, it’s one we are tackling head on. By 2030, we expect our fleet to be fueled by 10 percent SAF.”
Import partner Z Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Mike Bennetts says Z is already investing in low-carbon revenue streams that are better for both their customers and the planet. “We support and recognise the need for SAF to become the norm in Aotearoa and it is a key part of Z’s roadmap to support our customers on their journey to a low-carbon future. We are pleased to work alongside Air NZ and Neste to bring this shipment of SAF into the country and recognise collaboration with others will be essential to help us decarbonise at the scale and pace needed to address climate change.”
SAF delivers the performance of conventional jet fuel but with a significantly smaller carbon footprint on a life cycle basis. Neste MY SAF is produced 100% from sustainably sourced, renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. Once blended, SAF works seamlessly with existing fueling infrastructure and aircraft engines.
