Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind The Red Sea and AMAALA tourism projects, has announced a major step toward sustainability by bringing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Saudi Arabia for the first time, reports Business Traveller.
In collaboration with daa International, the operator of The Red Sea International Airport (RSI), and Arabian Petroleum Supply Company (APSCO), the airport’s fuel supplier, airlines at RSI now have the option to refuel using SAF. This fuel, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, is made from either clean hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide or renewable and waste-derived sources.
International aviation guidelines require SAF to be blended with traditional Jet A1 fuel. At RSI, the SAF blend consists of 35% SAF and 65% Jet A1, which reduces carbon emissions from aircraft using this fuel by up to 35%.
“Travel connects people and cultures, but it also has an environmental impact. That’s why we are committed to transforming the industry and making tourism more sustainable,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. “By introducing SAF in Saudi Arabia, we are significantly cutting the carbon footprint of our guests from the moment they arrive. This initiative also encourages the aviation industry to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.”
RSG’s air operator subsidiary, Fly Red Sea, which provides seaplane transfers and scenic tours, will exclusively use SAF and other lower-carbon fuels to support sustainable aviation.
Beyond aviation, RSG is implementing various measures to lower carbon emissions. The company has installed over 400MWp of solar panels at The Red Sea, expected to reduce emissions by up to 600,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. It is also working to restore natural habitats, with plans to plant and protect 50 million mangroves by 2030 in partnership with the National Center for Vegetation Cover.
Michael White, Chief Commercial Officer at RSI, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “Bringing sustainable aviation fuel to Red Sea International Airport is a major milestone in our commitment to environmental protection. This step not only reduces carbon emissions but also ensures we preserve the unique and fragile ecosystem of The Red Sea.”
The Red Sea welcomed its first visitors in 2023 and has since opened five hotels. Domestic flights have been operating at RSI since September 2023, and international flights began in April 2024, including a direct route between The Red Sea and Dubai International Airport.
By 2030, the project will feature 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residences across 22 islands and six inland locations. The development will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment centers, dining options, and leisure facilities, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable tourism.
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