Airbus and TotalEnergies have inked a strategic partnership to tackle the hurdles of decarbonising aviation through sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Aligned with the goal of achieving net carbon neutrality in aviation by 2050, the collaboration focuses on significantly reducing the sector's CO2 emissions, with SAF playing a pivotal role. TotalEnergies' SAF has the potential to slash up to 90% of CO2 emissions over their lifecycle compared to traditional fossil fuels.
The partnership encompasses the supply of sustainable aviation fuels by TotalEnergies to meet more than half of Airbus' needs in Europe. Additionally, a comprehensive research and innovation programme will be initiated to develop 100%-sustainable fuels tailored to the design of current and future aircraft. The study will also explore the impact of sustainable aviation fuels on reducing CO2 emissions and non-CO2 effects, including contrails.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The development of sustainable aviation fuels is at the heart of our Company's transition strategy. We are pleased to form a strategic alliance with Airbus to collectively address the challenge of aviation decarbonisation. TotalEnergies is committed to meeting the sector's demand for a reduced carbon footprint, aiming for an annual SAF production target of 1.5 million tonnes by 2030.”