LONDON – On February 2, for the first time, Turkey’s flag carrier airline, Turkish Airlines flew for the first time using sustainable aviation fuel. Flight TK1823 from Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkey, to Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG), France, was operated by an Airbus A321 registered as TC-JSU which was delivered to Turkish Airlines brand new back in August 2015.

The flight departed Istanbul at 11:05 am and arrived in Paris at 12:45 pm after a 3 hour and 25-minute flight.

Turkish worked with its partner, Turkish Fuel Services (TFS) on both the fuelling process and creating the fuel using sustainable raw materials that do not contain any harmful metals.

Turkish aims to use sustainable aviation fuel once per week on flights between Istanbul and Stockholm, however, in line with the airline’s reduction of carbon emission goals, this of course will be expanded to other destinations across their vast route network over time.

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Chairman of the Board & Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines, says, “We are the airline that flies to more countries than any other in the world.”

“This also means we are the airline that introduces its guests to the richest biodiversity as well. We conduct our work towards achieving sustainability with that mentality and responsibility.”

“Our first flight that uses sustainable resources is part of that vision. We believe that future generations will continue to be able to discover the world and its preserved beauty with Turkish Airlines. Our efforts focused on protecting our world will continue.”

As well as beginning to implement the use of sustainable aviation fuel, Turkish has already put in new measures to help reduce its carbon footprint with inflight packaging being moved to starch-based materials, bio packaging is now standard, and bags have been removed from travel and toy amenity kits.