Boeing, South African Airlines launch sustainable aviation biofuels effort in SA

Boeing and South African Airlines (SAA) have announced they are to work together in developing and implementing a sustainable aviation biofuel supply chain in Southern Africa, a first for the continent.

The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for sustainable aviation biofuel supply chain development at The Corporate Council on Africa's 9th Biennial U.S.-Africa Business Summit as part of their broader efforts to support environmental sustainability for the airline's operations and the commercial aviation industry overall, in addition to advancing South Africa's social and economic development.

'Sustainable aviation biofuel will play a central role in reducing commercial aviation's carbon emissions over the long term, and we see tremendous potential for these fuels in Africa,' says Julie Felgar, Boeing Commercial Airplanes managing director of Environmental Strategy and Integration. 'Boeing and SAA are committed to investigating feedstocks and pathways that comply with strict sustainability guidelines and can have a positive impact on South Africa's development.'

Boeing has collaborated extensively with aviation companies and governments across the globe to develop roadmaps for biofuel supply chains, but this is the first such project in Africa.

SAA is Africa's leading carrier, serving 26 destinations around the continent. As part of its corporate responsibility, it has committed to the voluntary targets that the International Air Transport Association has laid out for reduction of carbon.

'SAA is taking the lead in Africa on sustainable aviation fuels and, by setting a best practice example, can positively shape aviation biofuel efforts in the region,' says Ian Cruickshank, SAA Head of Group Environmental Affairs. 'By working with Boeing's sustainable aviation biofuel team, which has a history of successful partnerships to move lower-carbon biofuels closer to commercialization, we will apply the best global technology to meet the unique conditions of Southern Africa, diversify our energy sources and create new opportunities for the people of South Africa.'