Emirates and Shell Aviation Join Forces to Supply SAF in Dubai

Dubai’s Emirates Airline has forged a pioneering partnership with Shell Aviation, marking a significant step in the aviation industry’s quest for greener and more sustainable fuel options. 

Under this collaboration, Emirates will receive a supply of over 300,000 gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through the Dubai International (DXB) airport fuelling system. 

This development underscores the commitment to reducing emissions and marks the first instance of SAF being supplied via DXB.

Blending SAF for Reduced Carbon Footprints:

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is emerging as a safe and fully certified drop-in fuel that seamlessly integrates with existing aircraft fleets and airport infrastructure. 

It can be mixed with conventional jet fuel at up to 50 percent, resulting in an aviation fuel with significantly lower lifecycle carbon emissions. 

In its pure form, SAF can potentially reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel.

The President of Emirates Airlines Shares Aspirations:

Sir Tim Clark, the President of Emirates Airlines, expressed optimism regarding this new collaboration, with hopes for its expansion to ensure an ongoing supply of SAF within the airline’s hub. 

Currently, there are no SAF production facilities in the UAE. Aviation plays a crucial role in Dubai and the wider UAE economy, the collaboration aims to explore viable solutions to introduce more SAF into the aviation fuel supply chain, supporting Emirates’ emission reduction efforts.

Emirates Airlines demonstrated its commitment to SAF earlier this year when it operated its first demonstration flight on a Boeing 777-300ER, powering one of its machines with 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel. 

This achievement was made possible through collaborative efforts with partners such as GE Aerospace, Boeing, Honeywell, Neste, and Virent, who procured and developed an SAF blend resembling conventional jet fuel properties.

Unlocking Progress Across the Aviation Value Chain:

Including SAF in the DXB supply chain marks a significant milestone towards more sustainable aviation practices. 

Chu Yong-Yi, Vice President of Shell Corporate Travel, hoped this achievement would catalyze greater SAF adoption within the UAE and the broader region. 

The partnership will also see Emirates tracking SAF delivery and usage data through Avelia, a blockchain-powered SAF solution.

The partnership between Emirates Airlines and Shell Aviation to supply sustainable aviation fuel through Dubai International Airport is pivotal in the aviation industry’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. 

As SAF continues to be integrated into aviation fuel supply chains, the future of air travel holds promise for reduced carbon emissions and a greener, more sustainable aviation landscape.

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