Aviation article(s)
Rating
AIRBUS AND TOTALENERGIES SIGN SAF PARTNERSHIP
February 21, 2024
Airbus and TotalEnergies have signed a strategic partnership to address the challenges of decarbonising aviation through sustainable aviation fuels.
"In line with the objective of achieving net carbon neutrality of aviation by 2050, this partnership aims to contribute to the reduction of the sector's CO2 emissions, in which Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) play a key role," the joint announcement said.
Airbus and TotalEnergies noted that SAF supplied by TotalEnergies can reduce up to 90% of CO2 emissions over their lifecycle compared to their fossil fuel equivalent.
The partnership will cover two main areas: the supply by TotalEnergies of sustainable aviation fuels for more than half of Airbus' needs in Europe.; and a research and innovation programme aimed at developing 100% sustainable fuels tailored to the design of current and future aircraft.
TotalEnergies has been supplying the SAF used by Airbus for its aircraft deliveries in Toulouse since 2016.
It also supplied the fuel for several first SAF flights with Airbus aircraft including the 1st long-haul flight using French-produced SAF with an A350 between Paris and Montreal in May 2021, and the first flight of an H225 helicopter, from the "Super Puma" family using 100% SAF in November 2021.
Patrick Pouyanné, chairman and chief executive Officer of TotalEnergies, said the development of sustainable aviation fuels is at the heart of our company's transition strategy.
"We are happy to form a strategic alliance with Airbus to play our part in meeting the challenge of aviation decarbonization together. TotalEnergies has been working hard to respond to the sector’s new demand for a reduced carbon footprint. Our Company has set itself a target of 1.5 million tons of annual SAF production by 2030," he added.
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, said accelerating the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels is essential if the industry is to meet its targets for reducing carbon emissions from aviation by 2030.
"This partnership between Airbus and TotalEnergies demonstrates the willingness of aerospace manufacturers and major energy producers and suppliers to work together to meet this challenge. We are determined to meet our decarbonisation targets and ensure that aviation can continue to play its valuable role for society in the future," the joint statement said.
