The first sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) delivery recently took place at the Airbus Canada’s A220 site.
This rollout will enable the Mirabel teams to utilize SAF for production, customer acceptance, and test flight operations.
This now means that all Airbus commercial aircraft assembly sites around the world are now using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for their internal operations.
All Airbus Facilities Now on SAF
This achievement means that all Airbus commercial aircraft assembly sites worldwide are now operating with SAF for internal operations.
This global integration of SAF underscores Airbus’ dedication to embedding sustainable practices throughout its manufacturing processes.
Furthermore, the manufacturer has announced that by 2025, all Airbus commercial aircraft delivery centers will offer SAF to customers for ferry flights. This will significantly expand the accessibility of greener fuel options.
Mirabel SAF Consumption
The impact of this shift is already tangible. In 2025 alone, the Airbus Mirabel site anticipates using over 600,000 liters of a 30 percent SAF blend. This substantial volume is projected to result in a reduction of approximately 400 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
Benoît Schultz, CEO of Airbus Canada, highlighted the significance of this milestone. “On average, SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent compared to traditional jet fuel. This substantial reduction is crucial to the industry’s progress towards decarbonization by 2050.”
“It’s a big milestone to now have our Mirabel site in Canada, as SAF capable as our other Airbus sites. It not only means we can test our A220 aircraft using SAF, but we will also be able to deliver them to our customers with SAF too.”
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024, 18 percent of Airbus’s global fuel mix was SAF, translating to over 16 million liters of neat SAF. Additionally, 75 percent of Airbus aircraft worldwide were delivered with SAF, demonstrating the growing importance of decarbonization to customers.
Blended SAF
The management of SAF at the Mirabel site adheres to the mass balance principle. Once delivered, the SAF is blended with conventional aviation fuel (CAF), also known as Jet-A1, within the site’s fuel farm.
This dilution process is conducted according to established standards and auditable bookkeeping, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Airbus Canada is aiming to provide SAF Proof of Sustainability (PoS) to A220 customers receiving their aircraft from Mirabel in 2025, further solidifying their commitment to sustainable practices.
Notably, the A220 has been operating with SAF from the A220 Mobile Final Assembly Line since 2016.
As with all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is currently certified to operate with up to 50 percent SAF.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Airbus has set an ambitious goal for all its aircraft to be capable of running on 100 percent SAF by 2030, marking a significant step towards a fully sustainable aviation future.
The Airbus site in Mirabel is a sprawling facility spanning over 1.5 million square feet. It encompasses a pre-final assembly line, two final assembly lines, a customer response center, a flight and integration test center, and a brand-new delivery center.
This state-of-the-art facility is home to over 3,500 Airbus employees, all contributing to the company’s mission of innovation and sustainability.
By embracing SAF and implementing sustainable practices across its operations, Airbus is setting a new standard for the aviation industry.
The recent SAF delivery at the Mirabel site furthers the manufacturer’s commitment to a greener future for air travel.
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