Air New Zealand has received a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) shipment in Wellington, marking its first delivery to the capital city.
This 500,000-litre shipment, produced by EcoCeres in China from 100% used cooking oil and supplied by Exxon Mobil, represents a step toward the airline’s goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“For a small island nation, alternatives are crucial to maintain connectivity and support our trade and tourism sectors,” said Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer. “SAF is currently the key method for aviation to achieve lower carbon emissions.”
“Transport energy accounts for 18 percent of New Zealand’s total emissions, so it is encouraging to see the industry take steps towards sustainable practices as New Zealand transitions to a low emissions future,” New Zealand’s Climate Change Minister Simon Watts commented.
According to the air carrier, the SAF delivery is equivalent to 165 flights on an A320 aircraft between Auckland and Wellington and offers an 80% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to fossil jet fuel. This shipment will fuel Air New Zealand’s ATR 72-600 aircraft.