Västflyg becomes first airline to exclusively use sustainable aviation fuel
In what is being hailed as a significant milestone for the aviation industry’s sustainability efforts, Västflyg has become the world’s first airline to operate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for all departures. Västflyg is a commercial airline in southern Sweden run by four local entrepreneurs. The ground-breaking initiative will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Trollhättan-Vänersborg airport that supports the region.
The maximum permitted blending of biofuel in aviation is 50%. “By using today’s permitted maximum mixture on all our flights, we will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 40% from day one,” says Anna Petre, CEO of Västflyg. Neste, the world’s leading producer of renewable jet fuel and renewable diesel, will provide a mixture of Neste MY Renewable Aviation Fuel on all flights, including charters.
The project is a collaboration between multi-technology tier 1 aerospace supplier, GKN Aerospace, Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport and Finland’s Neste. David Bergman, vice president strategy & business innovation at GKN Aerospace Engines, believes the SAF project is an important step towards reducing carbon emissions in aviation and sets a positive example for others to follow. “We strongly believe that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), along with the development of more efficient aircraft and advanced flight management systems, is key to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050,” says Bergman.
Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport is an important hub for the area’s socially important flights, commercial passenger traffic, freight operations and flight schools. From the middle of June, Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport will also only offer SAF mixed with renewable jet fuel, doubling down on the group’s commitment to reducing aviation emissions. Alexander Kueper, VP EMEA from the business unit, Renewable Aviation at Neste, acclaimed the “big and brave commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air travel.”
