Etihad launches initiative on sustainable aviation fuel to decarbonize flights
Sustainable aviation fuel, which is sourced from biological materials, has great carbon reduction potential. However, airlines' reluctance to spend more on fuel is hampering its development, according to some observers.
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways announced yesterday a new initiative to promote greater sustainability and carbon reduction in air travel.
Etihad signed a memorandum of understanding with Boston-based World Energy to establish a “long-term partnership” to decarbonize flights. World Energy’s efforts in this regard focus on sustainable aviation fuel, according to a press release.
Etihad’s sustainability head said the airline is committed to using more sustainable aviation fuel when it becomes feasible.
“Net-zero commercial aviation is possible, but we have to be honest as an industry and say there are significant logistical challenges to using SAF at present,” said Mariam Alqubaisi, using an acronym for sustainable aviation fuel. “We are committed to using actual SAF on our flights from the US and across the world when we can secure a sustainable and efficient supply at the airports we serve.”
