Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, has unveiled a groundbreaking partnership with Shell Aviation to supply more than 300,000 gallons of blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for use at its international hub, Dubai International Airport (DXB). This landmark agreement marks a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
The initial delivery of SAF under this agreement is anticipated to commence before the year’s end, making DXB the first airport globally to incorporate SAF into its aviation fueling system. Emirates’ commitment to sustainability is a cornerstone of its environmental strategy, which centres on emissions reduction, responsible consumption, and the conservation of wildlife and habitats.
Under the terms of this collaboration, Emirates will closely monitor SAF delivery and usage data through Avelia, a pioneering blockchain-powered SAF solution. Developed in partnership with Shell Aviation and Accenture, and with support from Energy Web and American Express Global Business Travel, Avelia will enable Emirates to procure the physical SAF and its associated environmental attributes. This, in turn, will facilitate the decarbonization of Emirates’ Scope 1 related emissions.
Simultaneously, the environmental attributes linked to the same SAF will be purchased by Shell Corporate Travel to reduce its associated business travel emissions. This innovative approach highlights how book and claim solutions can empower airlines and corporations to collectively benefit from the environmental advantages of SAF.
SAF is a blendable alternative to conventional jet fuel, with the capability to be mixed at a ratio of up to 50%. This results in aviation fuel with significantly lower lifecycle carbon emissions. In its undiluted form, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to an impressive 80% when compared to traditional jet fuel.
Emirates’ commitment to SAF is evident from its previous achievements. Earlier this year, the airline successfully conducted the first 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight in the region. In 2017, Emirates operated its inaugural flight using SAF blended with jet fuel, originating from Chicago and flown on a Boeing 777. Today, the airline continues to utilize blended SAF on flights from Stockholm and currently operates SAF-blended flights from Paris, Lyon, and Oslo.
Emirates is actively engaged in various industry and UAE government initiatives, working collaboratively with stakeholders to expedite the production and distribution of SAF. Notably, the airline has contributed to the development of the UAE’s Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap, an initiative driven by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum. Emirates also plays a vital role in the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap, launched in January 2023 by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
This pioneering partnership between Emirates and Shell Aviation is set to redefine sustainable aviation practices, further solidifying the aviation industry’s commitment to a greener, more environmentally responsible future.
