Wellington, New Zealand – Air New Zealand has reached a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the arrival of its first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) delivery to Wellington. The 500,000-litre shipment, produced by EcoCeres in China from 100% used cooking oil and blended by Exxon Mobil, underscores the airline’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Equivalent to 165 A320 flights between Auckland and Wellington, this SAF shipment promises to cut life-cycle carbon emissions by at least 80% compared to traditional fossil jet fuel.
Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, highlighted the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels: “As the main driver of climate change, the global economy, including New Zealand, must rapidly transition away from our high reliance on fossil fuels. For a small island nation in the South Pacific, alternatives are even more important because we are heavily reliant on flying to connect with each other in our own country, as well as when we travel abroad. Aviation also plays a very important role supporting New Zealand’s trade and tourism sectors.”
Hannifin emphasized the strategic importance of SAF: “To keep doing all these activities which enrich our country’s economy we must act as quickly as we can to transition to a lower-carbon future. At the moment, SAF is the key way aviation will move towards this.”
“To keep doing all these activities which enrich our country’s economy we must act as quickly as we can to transition to a lower-carbon future.”
The international momentum around SAF adoption is growing, with airlines, governments, airports, and fuel companies all accelerating their commitment to alternative fuels. Hannifin pointed out future requirements for SAF usage: “From 2026, our aircraft will be required to uplift SAF when we fly home from Singapore and Vancouver. Japan has announced a SAF requirement from 2030, and other countries are also making signals that SAF will be mandated for all airlines for outbound flights including in Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and China.”
“From 2026, our aircraft will be required to uplift SAF when we fly home from Singapore and Vancouver.”
These global initiatives aim to fast-track the production of alternative fuels and incentivize oil and gas companies to expedite their transition from fossil fuels.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts commended the initiative: “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.”
“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.”
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that SAF production will triple in 2024, although it will still only meet 0.53% of total aviation fuel needs. Air New Zealand is participating in two feasibility studies to explore opportunities for local production of alternative jet fuels.
