Emirates has recently unveiled an agreement with Shell Aviation, aiming to supply over 300,000 gallons of blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for use at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
The Arrival of SAF at Dubai DXB
The aviation industry has long grappled with the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint. Emirates, as one of the world’s leading airlines, has taken a substantial step in the right direction by partnering with Shell Aviation to introduce SAF at DXB.
This move is not only a key event for the airline but also for Dubai as a thriving aviation hub. Emirates has consistently demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability through its three-pronged approach: emissions reduction, responsible consumption, and wildlife and habitat conservation.
This agreement with Shell Aviation falls squarely within the emissions reduction aspect of the airline’s environmental strategy.
By integrating SAF into its operations, Emirates aims to significantly reduce its carbon emissions and contribute to a greener future for aviation.
[monsterinsights_popular_posts_inline]
Blockchain-Powered Sustainability
Emirates’ partnership with Shell Aviation goes beyond fuel supply. The airline will use Avelia, one of the world’s first blockchain-powered SAF solutions, to track SAF delivery and usage data.
Avelia, a collaboration between Shell Aviation and Accenture, with support from Energy Web and American Express Global Business Travel, ensures transparency and accountability in the use of SAF.
Emirates will purchase the physical SAF and associated environmental attributes to reduce its Scope 1 emissions, while Shell Corporate Travel will do the same for its related business travel.
This innovative approach showcases how book and claim solutions can be harnessed to share the environmental benefits of SAF across the industry.
Leadership Perspective
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, spoke on the newcollaboration with Shell, emphasizing the importance of making SAF available in Dubai.
He highlighted the crucial role aviation plays in Dubai’s economy and expressed a desire to work with like-minded organizations and government entities to expand SAF availability further.
Sir Tim’s vision underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable aviation fuels, given their limited supply.
Chu Yong-Yi, Vice President of Shell Corporate Travel, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the partnership’s significance in decarbonizing the aviation industry in the UAE.
This collaboration is not just about one airline but represents a vital step towards broader industry change.
The Potential of SAF
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a game-changer in the quest for greener aviation. It is a certified drop-in fuel compatible with existing aircraft fleets and airport infrastructure.
SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel at a ratio of up to 50%, significantly reducing the lifecycle carbon emissions of flights. In its pure form, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
Emirates’ previous initiatives, including the first 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight in the region, underscore the airline’s commitment to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Emirates is actively engaged in various industry and UAE government working groups, collaborating with stakeholders to scale up SAF production and supply.
The airline’s involvement in the development of the UAE’s Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap, in conjunction with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum, exemplifies its dedication to advancing sustainable aviation.
Additionally, Emirates plays a pivotal role in the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap, a significant initiative launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
 hub.){kind=link}