16-04-2024

Neste to supply sustainable aviation fuel to Air New Zealand at Los Angeles International Airport

Neste and Air New Zealand have signed an agreement for the supply of nine million liters (around 7,200 tons or 2.4 million gallons) of neat Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The agreement represents the largest purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Neste made by any airline outside North America and Europe for delivery before the end of 2024.

The agreement follows an earlier SAF delivery to Air New Zealand in 2022. The sustainable aviation fuel will be produced at Neste’s Singapore refinery, which expanded its SAF production capability last year and is currently ramping up SAF production. The neat SAF will be blended with conventional jet fuel to meet the required fuel specifications and supplied to Los Angeles International Airport between 1 April and 30 November 2024.

“Decarbonising Air New Zealand’s operations is essential for its long-term ability to connect New Zealanders to the world, as well as support the country’s trade and tourism sectors, and SAF is a key enabler of this”, says Air New Zealand’s Chair Dame Therese Walsh.

“Sustainable aviation fuel is currently the only solution to significantly reduce emissions from long haul flight, but it currently makes up less than 1% of the global fuel supply. For aviation to reach its net zero carbon emissions goals by 2050, the SAF industry will need to scale significantly. While the SAF supply is small compared with the airline’s overall fuel use, it is nine times the size of Air New Zealand’s first shipment of SAF from Neste in 2022 and demonstrates growing cooperation between two like-minded organizations to advance the supply and use of SAF,” Walsh adds.

“Neste is fully committed to supporting the decarbonisation of aviation and is working closely together with partners like Air New Zealand to accelerate SAF usage. We are proud to support Air New Zealand’s decarbonisation focus and are looking forward to continuing working together with Air New Zealand and the New Zealand Government to reach their climate goals,” said Alexander Kueper, Vice President Renewable Aviation at Neste.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Sustainable aviation fuel is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to using conventional jet fuel. Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel before use and works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.

* When used in neat form (i.e. unblended) and calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology