Airbus, TotalEnergies partner for decarbonizing aviation using SAF

21 / 02 / 2024

By Marwa Nassar - -

Airbus and TotalEnergies have signed a strategic partnership to address the challenges of decarbonizing aviation through sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

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. SAF supplied by TotalEnergies can reduce up to 90% 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 as well as a research and innovation program aimed at developing 100% sustainable fuels tailored to the design of current and future aircraft. The impact of the composition of sustainable aviation fuels on the reduction of CO₂ emissions and non-CO₂ effects, such as contrails, will also be studied.

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”.

Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, said: “Accelerating the deployment of sustainable aviation fuels is essential if we are to meet our 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 decarbonization targets and ensure that aviation can continue to play its valuable role for society in the future.”