16-01-2025

OMV and Airbus collaborate to drive aviation decarbonisation

OMV and Airbus have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance the decarbonisation of the aviation industry through Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The partnership aims to support the reduction of CO₂ emissions in the aviation sector, with SAF playing a pivotal role in achieving the goal of net carbon neutrality by 2050. SAF reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent on average compared to conventional jet fuel over its entire lifecycle.

OMV and Airbus will explore joint solutions to broaden the voluntary access to SAF for various customer groups, aimed at stimulating new demand and thereby supporting large-scale investments in new SAF production facilities. Further, the companies will review opportunities to accelerate the testing, evaluation, and approval of new feedstocks, as well as new production pathways to make SAF available more quickly. In addition, both partners commit to jointly raising awareness and understanding of SAF, acknowledging the significant role that regulations and policy play in the transition to renewable fuels.

“Transformative partnerships across the aviation value chain are crucial for building a robust SAF industry and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable future. Our partnership with Airbus underscores OMV’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. We are proud to lead on this journey, driving progress and creating a lasting positive impact on both the aviation industry and the environment. SAF is a cornerstone of OMV’s Strategy 2030 and our path to climate neutrality,” said Martijn van Koten, Member of the Executive Board and Executive Vice President Fuels & Feedstock, OMV AG.

"The transition to sustainable aviation requires strong cross-industry collaboration. Joining forces with OMV, a leading European energy partner, is another important step on our journey towards the production and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels at scale. This partnership fits perfectly with Airbus' ambition to enable a global net-zero aviation sector and we look forward to working with OMV to deliver on shared objectives,” added Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer & Communications at Airbus.

Through their partnership OMV and Airbus aim to set the standard for innovation in sustainable aviation, combining their expertise to lead the industry towards decarbonisation. Together, they are building a powerful coalition of industry experts to drive innovative solutions that will transform aviation and accelerate the path to a low-carbon future. This partnership reaffirms their commitment to shaping the future of sustainable flight.

Since March 2022, OMV has been producing SAF at its Schwechat refinery in Austria by co-processing sustainable and locally sourced raw materials, such as used cooking oil. OMV is already delivering SAF to several airlines at the Vienna airport and has signed agreements to deliver a cumulative total of 1.5 million tons of SAF by 2030. In Romania, OMV Petrom made the final investment decision in June 2024 to build a SAF/HVO facility along with two green hydrogen facilities at the Petrobrazi refinery.