In a major move to promote cleaner aviation fuel, Colombia’s state oil company Ecopetrol has signed a three-year agreement with the country’s Civil Aviation Authority. The deal, signed on July 13, sets the stage for the “SAF Vuela” program, which will support research and future use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the country, reports Marketscreener.
The agreement, signed on July 10, supports Colombia’s National Development Plan 2022–2026, which highlights the importance of SAF in cutting greenhouse gas emissions from air travel. SAF has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, putting Colombia on track to become a regional leader in cleaner aviation energy.
The partnership covers a wide range of activities, including technical and regulatory coordination, environmental planning, and operational support, with the shared goal of helping Colombia’s aviation industry shift toward cleaner energy. Colombia has also joined the global ACT-SAF (Assistance, Capacity Building, and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels) programme, aligning its goals with international aviation sustainability standards.
In a separate development, Ecopetrol’s subsidiary Cenit has received environmental clearance from Colombia’s National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) for a new jet fuel storage project at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport. The Operational Storage Terminal (TAO) is expected to become operational in the second half of 2027. While financing details are yet to be finalized, the estimated cost is between $40 million and $50 million.
Once completed, the TAO will be able to store up to 150,000 barrels of Jet A1 fuel. It will connect to Cenit’s existing Mansilla-Puente Aranda pipeline and include a new 2.8-kilometre pipeline from Fontibón to the airport, along with three new tanks of 50,000 barrels each. The old Puente Aranda-Eldorado pipeline will be shut down as part of the upgrade.
Looking ahead, Ecopetrol is planning to invest between $500 million and $700 million in a new plant to produce sustainable aviation fuel, with operations expected to begin by 2030. This project is part of Colombia’s wider energy transition plan and reflects the country’s growing commitment to environmental and economic sustainability.
