Emirates Airlines has embarked on a significant environmental initiative by integrating sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its operations at London Heathrow Airport. In collaboration with Shell Aviation, Emirates has received over 3,000 metric tonnes of SAF, which will be blended with conventional jet fuel and supplied to the airport’s fuelling infrastructure until the end of summer 2024.

This initiative marks the first time Emirates will use SAF at London Heathrow and represents the airline’s largest SAF purchase to date. The move is part of the London Heathrow SAF Incentive Programme, designed to make SAF more affordable and accessible for airlines.

Emirates is committed to meticulous accounting, tracking, and tracing of SAF delivery and its sustainability attributes. The SAF, which can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, will be seamlessly integrated into the existing airport fuelling system.

Adel Al Redha, Deputy President, and COO of Emirates, highlighted the airline’s enthusiasm for this next step in their sustainability journey, supported by Shell Aviation and London Heathrow. The LHR Incentive Programme is expected to bolster the SAF market, making it more commercially viable for airlines.

Raman Ojha, President of Shell Aviation, expressed satisfaction with the continued partnership with Emirates, aiming to decarbonize flights from the UK and expand the global SAF supply network.

Ross Baker, Heathrow’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasised the importance of SAF in decarbonising long-haul flights and the need for increased SAF production in the UK to support energy security and economic growth.

Emirates’ SAF strategy includes operating SAF wherever possible, sharing emissions costs with corporate customers, collaborating on long-term SAF projects, and supporting SAF ventures in the UAE.

The airline has a history of SAF-powered flights from various European cities and plans to extend this practice to Singapore Changi Airport. Emirates also joined the Solent Cluster initiative in the UK, which aims to establish a SAF plant with an annual production capacity of up to 200,000 tonnes by 2032.

With a strong presence in the UK since 1987, Emirates serves seven gateways with 131 weekly flights, showcasing its commitment to sustainable practices in one of its most significant markets outside Dubai.