BA to start using UK-produced sustainable aviation fuel

British Airways claims to be the first airline in the world to start using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced on a commercial scale in the UK.

The Phillips 66 Humber Refinery near Immingham is producing thousands of tonnes of SAF that will now help power a number of BA flights.

The SAF is produced from sustainable waste feedstock at the refinery and the airline will add it into the existing pipeline infrastructure that directly feeds several UK airports including Heathrow.

The SAF bought by BA will be enough to reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by almost 100,000 tonnes, enough to power 700 net zero CO2 emissions flights between London and New York by fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Parent company International Airlines Group is investing $400 million over the next 20 years into the development of SAF and BA has existing partnerships with several companies to develop plants and purchase the sustainable fuel.

BA chief executive Sean Doyle said: “Being the first airline to source sustainable aviation fuel produced at commercial scale in the UK is another breakthrough moment for us and the airline industry.

“Our supplies of SAF from Phillips 66 Limited will allow us to progress with our ambitious roadmap to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or sooner and will play a role in our commitment, as part of International Airlines Group, to power 10% of flights with SAF by 2030.”

He added: “Progressing the development and commercial scale up of sustainable aviation fuel will be a game changer and crucial to reducing the aviation sector’s reliance on fossil fuels and improving the UK’s energy supply resilience.

“I’m confident that Britain can take a leading role on the global stage in this space, creating green jobs and export opportunities, if industry, developers and government continue to collaborate and make it a key focus area.”

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “It’s great to see British Airways is the first airline in the world that started using sustainable aviation fuel produced at scale in the UK – an important milestone towards our ambitious Jet Zero targets.

“The fact it’s being produced here in the UK is a perfect demonstration how Britain continues to be a pioneer in developing green aviation technology and the Government will meet its 2050 net zero target.

“We can create thousands of green jobs while reducing the impact that flying has on the environment, so we can continue to connect and travel in a greener way.”