Denmark has taken a step toward reducing emissions from air travel by launching its first domestic flight that runs partly on sustainable aviation fuel, Businessworld reported.
The flight was operated by Norwegian Air Shuttle and travelled between Aalborg and Copenhagen. The aircraft used a fuel mixture containing about 40 percent sustainable aviation fuel blended with conventional jet fuel. The initiative is among the country’s early efforts to introduce lower-emission fuels in regular commercial flights.
Sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable or waste-based materials such as used cooking oil and other organic matter. Compared with conventional jet fuel produced from fossil fuels, it produces far lower emissions over its lifecycle. Estimates linked to the project suggest that using the blended fuel on this route could cut carbon dioxide emissions by around 3,000 to 3,300 tonnes each year.
The project is meant to show that cleaner fuels can be used in existing aircraft without the need for major changes to current technology.
The flight is part of Denmark’s wider plan to reduce emissions from the transport sector and move towards cleaner aviation. Although sustainable aviation fuel currently costs much more than traditional jet fuel—often seven to eight times higher—government support and cooperation between airlines, airports and fuel suppliers have helped keep the service commercially viable without raising ticket prices.
Denmark has set a goal of making all domestic flights free of fossil fuels by the end of the decade as part of its broader climate commitments.
The Aalborg–Copenhagen route is being viewed as an early example of how airlines and governments are testing alternative fuels to lower the environmental impact of aviation. As production of sustainable aviation fuel increases and costs gradually decline, similar efforts could help the aviation industry reduce emissions while continuing to use existing aircraft and airport infrastructure.
