In a significant step towards sustainable aviation, the International Airlines Group (IAG), the international conglomerate comprising British Airways and Iberia, made a major announcement on August 14th regarding the purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Together with IAG, the parent company of British Airways, Microsoft has agreed to purchase 14,700 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The purchase will enable both companies to continue achieving their sustainability goals.
Groundbreaking SAF Purchase Partnership with IAG secures Microsoft victory
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), also known as biofuel, serves as eco-friendly alternative to conventional jet fuel. It is produced using various renewable resources such as agricultural waste, used cooking oil, and algae. By incorporating SAF and thereby reducing their carbon footprints, airlines contribute to a more sustainable future for the industry. This effect is especially significant as Microsoft’s purchase of 14,700 tonnes of SAF enables a reduction in their Scope 3 emissions. Compared to traditional jet fuel, SAF can lower carbon emissions by over 80%.Microsoft aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is being produced at Phillips 66’s Humber refinery in northern England as the nation strives to establish its sustainable fuel industry. According to IAG, the purchase of 14,700 tonnes of SAF would be sufficient to fuel over 300 flights of Boeing 787 Dreamliners between London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which serves as Microsoft’s world headquarters. IAG and Microsoft are setting an inspiring example for other companies by collaborating, investing, and implementing forward-thinking initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and decarbonization are significant to Microsoft, and the company has taken decisive measures to tackle these issues. In relation to Microsoft’s objectives, Julia Fidler, the lead for environmental sustainability fuel and materials decarbonization, stated:
“This agreement represents a new milestone in SAF purchasing that will allow Microsoft to address emissions from both our business travel and freight for our cloud supply chain, while helping to fund future SAF development and scale the market as a whole.”
IAG’s Remarkable Success in SAF Purchase Collaboration with Microsoft
The announcement is a significant achievement for IAG’s sustainability endeavours. Jonathon Counsell, the head of sustainability for the airline conglomerate, commented in a statement on the acquisition:
“The development of SAF is critical for the long-term decarbonization of our industry. Strong commercial partnerships like this will help stimulate the global investment needed to build and sustain a commercially viable SAF market. We are pleased to see high profile organizations like Microsoft leading the way.”
Counsell accurately recognizes the significance of corporate partnerships in the success of IAG’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives. In addition to this SAF purchase, IAG’s cargo division recently announced a partnership with logistics giant Kuehne+Nagel. These collaborations demonstrate the commitments of both Microsoft and IAG to reducing their environmental impact while supporting the SAF industry’s growth and development. As demand for biofuels rises, SAF is expected to become increasingly available and cost-effective with continued investment and innovation.
What are your thoughts regarding the purchase of 14,700 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel by Airlines Group (IAG) and Microsoft?
