Airbus and oil refining group Neste have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly advance the production and uptake of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the companies announced during the first day of Airbus’s Sustainability Summit in Toulouse on Wednesday. The collaboration aims to accelerate the aviation sector’s transition to SAF.
Finland-based Neste and Airbus say they recognize that an acceleration of SAF production presents one of the biggest challenges associated with meeting carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction goals. The collaboration will allow the partners to explore business opportunities together and jointly promote the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel, according to Airbus. Points of focus include the technical development of SAF, fuel approval, and testing of current and future production technologies.
“Neste is at the forefront of accelerating the aviation sector’s journey to a more sustainable future. That journey requires cooperation across the industry’s value chain,” said Neste vice president of renewable aviation Thorsten Lange. “This collaboration with Airbus connects a pioneer in the aerospace industry with a leader in renewable fuels. The combined knowledge and expertise of the companies will help advance the use and availability of SAF as a means of transitioning aviation towards more sustainable energy sources and reducing the climate impact of aviation.”
The agreement marks the second collaboration between Airbus and Neste after the ‘Emission and Climate Impact of Alternative Fuels’ (ECLIF3) exploration on SAF with German research center DLR. The MOU calls for Airbus and Neste to work further on the technical challenges of reaching certification of 100 percent SAF in airplanes.