Very first delivery of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

On January 1st, the first order of Sustainable Aviation Fuel was delivered through the NATO pipeline. Brussels Airlines operated its first symbolic SAF flight. 

Since the 1st of January, the NATO pipeline supplying Brussels Airport with kerosene is open for the transport of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The very first batch of sustainable aviation fuel transported through this pipeline was ordered by Brussels Airlines that marked the occasion with a symbolic first SAF flight from Brussels to Malaga.

Brussels Airport is the only Belgian airport that is fully supplied with kerosene through the NATO pipeline network and had been asking for some time to be able to receive SAF via this pipeline. Thanks to the cooperation of NATO, this is now possible. Henceforth, sustainable aviation fuels can also be supplied in a fast and eco-friendly way through NATO's Central Europe Pipeline System (CEPS). An important milestone in increasing the use of SAF and reducing carbon emissions.  

SAF or Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the collective name for various sustainable aviation fuels. When used in pure form, SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil aviation fuel. The Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel used by Brussels Airlines is produced from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residual raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. Brussels Airlines purchased 2,000 barrels of 1,000 liters each with a blend of 38% SAF for this pilot project. With these 2 million litres or 2000m³ our home carrier can operate nealy 400 flights from Brussels Airport to Barcelona with an A320.

"This is an important milestone in making aviation more sustainable at Brussels Airport. Having sustainable aviation fuels available at the airport has been a priority for us and we are pleased that, thanks to NATO's support, this has now been realised. As an airport, within the framework of our European Stargate programme, we have expressed the ambition to aim for 5% SAF on total kerosene imports by 2026. That is faster than the European target, but we want to fully commit to this together with our airline partners. The fact that our home carrier Brussels Airlines is already taking the lead with a first order of SAF is a great start to realizing this ambition," said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport. 

Read more in our press release.