International Airlines Group (IAG) has finalized an agreement with Repsol to acquire over 28,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), representing the largest purchase of its kind in Spain to date. This fuel will be utilized across the group’s airlines, which include Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Iberia Express, and Vueling.
The use of SAF results in a reduction of emissions by more than 80% compared to traditional kerosene throughout its lifecycle, from production to consumption. The company notes that this voluntary purchase of SAF is a crucial step toward its goal of using 2% SAF by 2025, in accordance with the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. Additionally, IAG ensures that all its SAF purchases meet stringent sustainability certification standards.
Repsol, which has begun producing 100% renewable fuels at its Cartagena plant, states that the facility has an annual production capacity of 250,000 tonnes of renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and SAF derived from waste. “This agreement with IAG reinforces our commitment to 100% renewable fuels as a vital lever for the decarbonization of transportation in Spain,” said Josu Jon Imaz, CEO of Repsol.
Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, emphasized that “sustainability is a priority for IAG and one of the foundational pillars of our strategy and transformation.” He added that “it is crucial for governments to continue supporting the establishment of a SAF industry that enhances availability and lowers costs. The development of a European SAF industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs and significantly contribute to GDP.”
As of December 31, 2023, IAG’s investments in SAF reached $1 billion, with 86% of these commitments directed toward future initiatives. In 2023, the group’s airlines utilized over 53,000 tonnes of SAF, preventing more than 157,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
IAG and Repsol are leaders in the decarbonization of aviation in Spain. In 2021, Iberia conducted the first flight in Spain using biofuel produced from waste, and in collaboration with Repsol, it operated its first long-haul flights with this type of fuel in 2022. Vueling has also conducted flights using SAF produced by Repsol on several routes.
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