Ethiopian Airlines has pledged its commitment to sustainable aviation, by undertaking to establish its own SAF facility.
Ethiopia appears to leading the African continent when it comes to the aviation sector.
Earlier this year Ethiopia was also selected as the base for Boeing’s African headquarters.
ETHIOPIAN WORKS WITH SATAREM AMERICA
The airline has partnered with sustainable energy solutions company Satarem America to establish sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facilities in Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Airlines CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said the collaboration highlighted its commitment to sustainability and aligned with its broader sustainability goals to reduce its carbon footprint.
The SAF produced at the Ethiopian Airlines facility, will be for use by the airline, for its flights.
ALSO READ: Truckee Tahoe Airport in US now uses 100% SAF
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES TO USE SAF
The integration of SAF into its operations will enhance its efforts to introduce eco-friendly aviation solutions.
“The adoption of SAF is not just a business decision; it reflects our commitment to combating climate change and investing in innovative solutions that support a sustainable industry.” Tasew said.
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
As one of Africa’s leading airlines, Ethiopian Airlines has prioritised sustainability.
Tourism Update reports that the carrier works towards this through various initiatives.
These include minimising waste and emissions, fleet modernisation, optimised flight operations, extensive recycling programmes and tree planting initiatives.
ALSO READ: SAF production set to triple in 2024
SAF: MEDIUM TERM SOLUTION
This type of aviation fuel, produced from renewable feedstocks, has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions.
Thus, SAF is an important alternative to traditional jet fuel, and will be used to combat the effects of climate change.
However, SAF is a solution that is being implemented in the interim.
Hence production must be increased to enable more airlines to use SAF.
ALSO READ: Southwest Airlines: US airline takes over SAF production company
SCALING UP SAF PRODUCTION
That said, sufficient quantities are currently not being produced to enable the sector to scale up its use of cleaner aviation fuel.
Numerous airlines, aircraft manufacturers and fuel producers are now in a race to ramp up SAF production.
This is while aircraft using alternate (cleaner) energy sources are being developed.
