Air New Zealand and MBIE join forces to scope out Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry
Air New Zealand and MBIE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to run a closed RFP process that invites leaders in innovation to demonstrate the feasibility of operating a SAF plant at a commercial scale in New Zealand.
Air New Zealand Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer David Morgan said the partnership with MBIE is an incredibly positive and important step in addressing the challenges and opportunities of producing SAF in New Zealand.
"Sustainable Aviation Fuel is critical to aviation decarbonisation and can reduce aviation emissions by more than 80 percent. But we can't do it alone. Air New Zealand and MBIE have a shared interest in developing a SAF supply chain in New Zealand and we are confident this process will bring us one step closer to it being a reality."
"COVID-19 has had a huge impact on Air New Zealand, but it has not slowed our commitment to take ambitious action on climate change. If anything, it has demonstrated that air transport is vital to sustaining our local economies through tourism and trade, but it is critical we find a more sustainable way to fly."
SAF is a fuel made from waste materials such as used cooking oils, landfill waste, or forestry and agricultural residues. It has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by more than 80 percent compared with traditional jet fuel. However, there is a shortage - currently less than 1% of aviation fuel supplied in the world is SAF.
Air New Zealand is working proactively with the Government and inviting others in the private sector to address the challenges posed by aviation carbon emissions and create a pathway to a sustainable aviation fuel industry in New Zealand.
Commercially producing SAF in New Zealand would not only help lower New Zealand's emissions and reduce waste but will also create jobs and economic opportunities in our regional communities.
This MOU is the latest example of Air New Zealand taking ambitious action on climate change by leading and advocating for action on decarbonisation with the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Ends
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United. Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 19,000 daily flights to more than 1,250 airports in 195 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partner, Juneyao Airlines.
For more information please visit Air New Zealand and Star Alliance and/or follow Star Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn or Instagram.
Star Alliance Press Office: Tel: +49 69 96375 183 or email: mediarelations@staralliance.com