Airbus, TotalEnergies commit to aviation decarbonization through SAF partnership

In a significant move towards achieving net carbon neutrality in aviation by 2050, Airbus and TotalEnergies have announced a strategic partnership aimed at decarbonizing the aviation sector through the development and supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). This collaboration underscores the critical role SAF plays in reducing CO2 emissions in aviation, with TotalEnergies’ SAF capable of cutting CO2 emissions by up to 90% over their lifecycle compared to traditional fossil fuels.

The partnership between Airbus, a global leader in aerospace, and TotalEnergies, a major player in energy production and supply, focuses on two key areas. Firstly, TotalEnergies will provide Airbus with more than half of its sustainable aviation fuel needs across Europe. Secondly, both entities will embark on a research and innovation program dedicated to developing 100% sustainable fuels. These fuels are designed to be compatible with both current and future aircraft models, aiming to further reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate non-CO2 effects such as contrails.

This strategic alliance builds on a foundation of collaboration, with TotalEnergies supplying SAF for Airbus aircraft deliveries in Toulouse since 2016. The partnership has already facilitated several milestone flights, including the first long-haul flight using French-produced SAF in May 2021, the first flight of a H225 helicopter from the “Super Puma” family in November 2021, and the first A321neo flight with 100% SAF in March 2023.

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the company’s commitment to the transition strategy focused on SAF development, stating, “The development of sustainable aviation fuels is at the heart of our Company’s transition strategy. We are happy to form a strategic alliance with Airbus to play our part in meeting the challenge of aviation decarbonization together.”

Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, highlighted the urgency of deploying sustainable aviation fuels to achieve aviation’s carbon reduction targets by 2030. He remarked on the collective determination of aerospace manufacturers and energy suppliers to confront the decarbonization challenge head-on.

This partnership represents a pivotal step in the aviation industry’s journey towards sustainability. By focusing on the development and deployment of SAF, Airbus and TotalEnergies are leading the charge in reducing the aviation sector’s carbon footprint. The collaboration not only showcases the potential of SAF in decarbonizing aviation but also sets a precedent for future partnerships between aerospace and energy sectors.