British Airways claims it is set to become the first airline in the world to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced in the UK on a commercial scale.
The airline has taken delivery of its first batch of SAF produced by Phillips 66 Limited, with whom it has signed a multi-year deal for future supplies of the fuel.
IAG, BA’s parent company, has already committed to investing $400 million (£305 million) into the development of SAF over the next 20 years.
BA has existing partnerships with several companies to develop SAF plants and purchase the fuel.
The SAF bought by BA will be enough to reduce life-cycle carbon emissions by almost 100,000 tonnes, enough to power 700 net-zero carbon Dreamliner flights between London and New York.
SAF is produced from sustainable waste feedstock. BA will add it into the existing pipeline infrastructure that directly feeds several UK airports, including Heathrow.
Sean Doyle, BA chair and chief executive, said: “Our supplies of SAF from Phillips 66 Limited will allow us to progress with our ambitious roadmap to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“It will play a role in our commitment, as part of International Airlines Group (IAG), to power 10% of flights with SAF by 2030."
Transport secretary Grant Shapps added: “The fact it’s being produced here in the UK is a perfect demonstration how Britain continues to be a pioneer in developing green aviation technology and the government will meet its 2050 net zero target.”
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