
Riga, Latvia – Celebrating a year of enhanced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage, airBaltic has seen significant passenger participation in its initiative to promote climate-neutral travel. Since May 2023, nearly 16,000 passengers from various countries have purchased SAF as an ancillary product, directly supporting the demand for sustainable fuel.
In May 2024, airBaltic utilized 18 tonnes of SAF on flights from Spain to Latvia, with refueling at Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga airports using fuel supplied by Cepsa. “At airBaltic, we use only fuel recognized by the European Commission. We thank our partner Cepsa for helping us fulfill our pledge to our customers,” said Andris Zdors, Head of Fuel Procurement and Operations at airBaltic.
“Through collaborations like these, we promote sustainable fuel use in the European market and reinforce our commitment to circular economy objectives,” added Alvaro Macarro, Director of Sustainable Aviation at Cepsa.
Analysis
The initiative by airBaltic to offer SAF as an option for passengers underscores a growing trend in the aviation industry toward sustainability. This move aligns with the upcoming European Commission mandate, which will require 2% SAF usage by 2025, gradually increasing to 70% by 2050.
“We validated our customers’ willingness to voluntarily add SAF, observing consistent interest in this initiative,”said Zita Barānova, Head of Sustainability at airBaltic.
The growing interest in SAF among passengers, as seen by the consistent uptake of the option, reflects a rising awareness and demand for sustainable travel choices. This voluntary engagement complements mandatory regulations, fostering a supportive market for SAF. It highlights the potential for airlines to lead in decarbonizing aviation, driven by both regulatory requirements and passenger preference.
About airBaltic: Founded in 1995, airBaltic (Air Baltic Corporation AS) is the Latvian national airline, with the Latvian state holding 97.97% of the stock. The airline operates over 130 routes from Riga, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Tampere, with a fleet of 47 Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Recognized for its innovative services and commitment to sustainability, airBaltic employs over 2,500 people and has received multiple international awards, including the Skytrax award for the best airline in its region for three consecutive years.
About Cepsa: Cepsa, a leading producer and supplier of aviation fuels in Spain, manufactures SAF from organic waste such as used cooking oils at its La Rábida Energy Park in Huelva. The company aims to lead SAF production in Spain and Portugal with an annual production capacity of 800,000 tons by 2030.
Sources:
- airBaltic Corporate Communications Unit. (2024). airBaltic Marks One Year of Enhanced SAF Usage. Retrieved from airBaltic