Air Greenland signs with DCC and Shell Aviation Denmark for SAF supply

Air Greenland has entered into a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply agreement with DCC Energy and Shell Aviation Denmark. Under the agreement, Air Greenland will receive SAF to use for its flights servicing the route between Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland and Copenhagen Airport. 

The supply of SAF to the Copenhagen service will make up approximately 5% of fuel consumption along the route throughout 2023, which will be higher than any other flight route in Denmark.

“We want to support the goal of Greenland becoming a sustainable destination by reducing fuel consumption and thus our CO2 emissions,” said Jacob Nitter Sørensen, CEO, Air Greenland, who also referenced the replacement of the airline’s Atlantic aircraft for an A330-800neo in December as another vital step in the airline’s transition to green aviation.

“Now, we also commit to using up to 5% on our flights to and from Copenhagen. The combined impact of the SAF and our new aircraft fleet will reduce our CO2 emissions,” added Sørensen.

The introduction of SAF to Air Greenland’s operations comes as voluntary ahead of the incoming European Union mandates, coming into effect in 2025 at an initial 2%.

“In light of the fact that the EU is discussing a SAF mandate starting at 2% in 2025, it is a really big step that we are now taking with Air Greenland,” said Ulrik V. Brendstrup, CEO, DCC & Shell Aviation Denmark. “This is, in fact, a remarkable initiative, also from a broader international perspective. It is by far the largest SAF supply agreement, in terms of fuel proportions, that we have ever signed.”

Ashleigh McDougall, General Manager, Shell Aviation Europe and Africa, added: “Air Greenland and Shell both recognise that SAF will be the key lever to decarbonise flight by 2050, and through this agreement, we’re helping to make Greenland a more sustainable travel destination.”

“This is the latest example of DCC Energy bringing our customers novel decarbonisation solutions,” said Fabian Ziegler, CEO of DCC Energy. “We are also showcasing our partnership approach, in this case, with Shell. Expect to see more and more of DCC linking future-focused partners with our customers like Air Greenland.”