Norway-headed Air carrier Norwegian Group has launched a new domestic route in Denmark between Aalborg (AAL) and Copenhagen (CPH), which will be flown with a 40 percent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend on all departures in 2026 and 2027. The route is the first route in Europe with a consistently high blend of SAF and is an important step in the transformation of aviation.
The fuel comes from the St1 refinery in Gothenburg, Sweden, and consists exclusively of European raw materials produced and distributed by Nordic players.
The high proportion of SAF in the tank reduces emissions from the route by over 3,000 tonnes of fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) per annum from a life-cycle perspective.
The route has been established through public procurement under the Danish government’s “Green Aviation” agreement framework, through which the Danish state actively supports the use of more SAF.
Many people talk about the need for lower emissions for aviation, but here, Denmark is leading the way by showing how it can be done in practice. This is not just a new line; it is a new model for how we accelerate the transition of aviation because it contributes to increased demand for sustainable aviation fuels. This way we get volume, and it is volume that generates investments and production, said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.
The purpose of the new route is to increase production and demand and make SAF more accessible by establishing special supply chains that will strengthen Europe’s security of supply.
The Danish state has actively chosen to use market forces. By ensuring demand for SAF, we are creating a market on the path towards more sustainable aviation. We are proud to have won the tender and that we can thereby deliver measurable impact, Geir Karlsen added.
Structural development of the market is crucial
The route has created a special supply chain of SAF with Nordic players and 100 percent European raw materials.
In addition to Norwegian, the collaboration includes Aalborg Airport (AAL) – the third largest airport in Denmark – Finnish energy company St1, the fuel supplier DCC Shell Aviation Denmark, and the Norwegian fuel supplier AFSN. The biofuel is produced at St1’s refinery in the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden.
We are very proud that it is Aalborg Airport that will get Europe’s first domestic route with 40 percent SAF. The transition of aviation starts with concrete measures. No one can do it alone, but together we can take the next step towards a more sustainable future for Danish and European aviation. It is through strong partnerships that the industry is driven forward, said Niels Hemmingsen, CEO of Aalborg Airport.
Aviation is a critical infrastructure for society
Aviation plays a central role in business, tourism, mobility, and international competitiveness. It is therefore crucial that the transition is successful.
From a lifecycle perspective, SAF significantly reduces emissions compared to fossil aviation fuel. While combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO2), the proportion of fossil CO2 is reduced.
According to current international safety regulations, it is still not approved to use 100 percent SAF on commercial flights. With at least 40 percent, the route is therefore close to the maximum 50 percent permitted blend under current regulations.
This is an important step towards better and more sustainable aviation, but increasing the use of SAF requires a long-term and stable policy framework and concrete investments in next-generation fuels, including electro-fuels (e-SAF), emphasized Geir Karlsen.
With the launch of the route between Aalborg Airport and Copenhagen Airport, Denmark, Norwegian, and its SAF partners are setting a new European standard for how the transformation of aviation can be accelerated through public-private partnerships and market-based tools.
