Finland-headed oil refiner and renewable fuels producer Neste and Switzerland's Genève Aéroport have announced a collaboration to decarbonize aviation towards fossil neutral growth. Genève Aéroport is planning the introduction of renewable jet fuel for aircraft operations from Geneva International Airport (GVA).
According to a statement, the target shall be at least 1 percent of the annual jet fuel consumption at Genève Aéroport shall be composed of renewable jet fuel starting late 2018.
Genève Aéroport is exemplary in sustainability with its ambitious goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. We are very excited to collaborate with Genève Aéroport and their airline partners to show the way to the aviation sector. We both share the common view that decreasing CO2 emissions in aviation is crucial in combating climate change. This is an important step for Neste in implementing our growth strategy for renewables in applications outside road traffic fuels. Neste MY Renewable Jet Fuel is Neste’s sustainable solution for reducing CO2 emissions in aviation, said Kaisa Hietala, Executive Vice President in the Renewable Product business area in Neste.
Rapid growth in aviation
Aviation is the fastest growing means of transport and thus emissions will grow substantially. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has set a target that from 2020 onwards the growth in aviation is carbon-neutral.
Currently, the only viable alternative to fossil liquid fuels for powering commercial aircraft is sustainable renewable jet fuel, which is one the most efficient means of decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It can be adopted immediately without the need for additional investments in new fuel distribution infrastructure.
As aviation is growing, airports have a crucial role in taking initiatives which aim at reducing environmental impact. Genève Aéroport is particularly pleased to work in this very ambitious project together with Neste, the Swiss authorities, airlines operating from Geneva, and locally established fuel companies, said André Schneider, CEO of Genève Aéroport.
MY Renewable Jet Fuel ready for take-off
For Neste, the development of its MY Renewable Jet Fuel has been a long journey taking several years: from building proof of concept to ensuring the quality and performance that fully meet the aviation industry’s expectations. Neste’s renewable jet fuel technology and quality is proven in thousands of commercial flights and, according to the company, is now ready for commercialization.