Air New Zealand increases sustainable aviation fuel supply with major new purchase

Air New Zealand has secured a purchase of 30 million liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from Neste, aiming for an 80% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based jet fuels. This SAF is produced in Singapore using renewable waste materials like animal fat waste and used cooking oil.

Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, noted that the purchase represents 1.6% of the airline's total fuel supply for fiscal year 2025, achieving their SAF target for the year. "1.6% is still a very small proportion of our total fuel use, but it's four times more than we carried last year," Hannifin said. She emphasized the urgency of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing SAF volumes annually.

Hannifin highlighted global momentum around SAF policy and production, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. She called for supporting policies in New Zealand to encourage domestic production and prevent falling behind in low-emission fuel adoption. The airline aims to reach 10% SAF usage by 2030 and has invested in feasibility studies for potential local production from feedstocks like woody biomass.