Atlas Air Worldwide has completed a test flight from Spain’s Zaragoza airport to Mexico City using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sourced from fresh vegetable oil.

"Atlas Air Flight 562 was powered by a blend of fuel containing 2.33% SAF sourced from fresh vegetable oil. The Boeing 747-400F left Zaragoza on December 21... This is believed to be the first transoceanic commercial cargo flight in Spain to include a blend of SAF and Jet A-1 fuel," the cargo carrier said.

Sustainable aviation fuel can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 80%. Aviation accounts for about 2% of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

“Innovative sustainable aviation fuel test projects demonstrate our ability to partner with our customers and suppliers to help create a more sustainable future for the air cargo industry and global commerce,” said John Dietrich, chief executive of the Purchase, New York-based cargo carrier.

“Through ongoing meaningful partnerships, we will drive wider acceptance and availability of SAF, which will lower costs and have a positive impact on our industry and the environment,” he added.

IATA has been prompting governments to promote the sustainable fuel as the aviation sector targets to cut its CO2 emissions by 2050 from the level seen in 2005. It said so far, more than 40 airlines have begun using the fuel to help shrink their carbon footprint.