Atlas Air and Repsol Pave the Way for Sustainable Aviation in Europe

Atlas Air, in a landmark initiative, has commenced the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for all its flights from Spain’s Zaragoza Airport, operated on behalf of the global fashion retailer Inditex. This significant move makes Atlas Air the first cargo airline to regularly use SAF in Europe, marking a major step toward the decarbonization of the airline sector.

The use of SAF, produced by Repsol, began in November and involves incorporating 5% SAF in all flights. This initiative not only aligns with the environmental goals of Atlas Air, Repsol, and Inditex but also places them ahead of the anticipated compliance measures included in the ReFuelEU Aviation regulations. These regulations mandate the use of 2% renewable fuels by 2025, escalating to 6% in 2030, and 70% in 2050.

Oliver Fernández, Director of International Aviation at Repsol, highlighted that this agreement emphasizes SAF as not only the future but also the present of aviation. Repsol’s commitment to the sustainability of the aviation sector is further evidenced by the upcoming launch of its new advanced biofuels plant in Cartagena, Spain. This plant is poised to significantly contribute to the sector’s decarbonization ambitions.

Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide, expressed the company’s dedication to fostering sustainability in the aviation sector. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in driving the broader adoption and availability of SAF, ultimately benefiting the industry and the environment.

This collaboration aims to boost local SAF production, focusing on enhancing refinery capacity and sourcing nearby raw materials. It seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector, supporting the broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

For more information on this sustainable aviation initiative, visit Repsol’s official announcement.