Heathrow has become the first major airport in the UK to integrate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its fuel distribution.
Working in partnership with Vitol Aviation and Neste, the fuel has been blended into the UK’s hub airport’s main fuel supply in time for the G7 Summit, being held in Cornwall later this week.
The fuel supply is only enough for 5-10 short haul flights but aims to establish proof of concept at Heathrow.
The airport’s Chief Executive Officer, John Holland-Kaye, said: “As we get ready to welcome the world to the G7, we can demonstrate how this technology can significantly cut carbon from aviation, whilst protecting its benefits.
“The UK Government now has an opportunity to create a new British growth industry by backing sustainable aviation fuel production and also be leaders in the race to a net zero 2050.
“Now is the time for less talk and more action and Ministers should set an escalating mandate to blend SAF into fuel and provide incentives that are stable over 5-10 years to foster investment in production, with a target of 10% by 2030 and at least 50% by 2050.”
The type of SAF being used is called HEFA (Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids), which can be made from vegetable oils, waste oils or fats.
