Air France Operates A220 Delivery on SAF

Air France has taken delivery of its 46th Airbus A220-300 with a milestone flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel. The aircraft was ferried from Airbus’ Mirabel facility in Canada to Paris using a 50% blend of SAF, marking the first time Airbus Canada issued official sustainability documentation directly to an airline customer.

The delivery represents a significant step in advancing sustainable aviation practices while reinforcing Air France’s long-term environmental commitments. The French flag carrier has made reducing carbon emissions a priority, with the A220 central to its fleet renewal strategy thanks to the aircraft’s 20% lower fuel consumption and reduced noise footprint compared to previous-generation models.

For Airbus, the event establishes an important operational precedent, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating SAF into aircraft delivery flights with full certification. The manufacturer has been increasing efforts to promote the use of sustainable fuels across its global operations as part of its ambition to support net-zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050.

The A220 program, jointly developed by Airbus Canada, continues to attract airlines seeking efficient and modern single-aisle aircraft. With this SAF-powered delivery, both Airbus and Air France highlight the growing role of alternative fuels in bridging today’s operations with the industry’s long-term sustainability goals.

As SAF adoption expands, the collaboration between manufacturers and airlines will be key in driving large-scale implementation. This delivery flight underscores how incremental changes in operations can collectively push the aviation sector toward a more sustainable future.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com