Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport will become the world's first airport to exclusively offer aviation fuel blended with a high proportion of renewable aviation fuel (often referred to as SAF) for all aircraft wishing to refuel at the airport. Neste will supply its renewable aviation fuel, Neste MY Renewable Aviation Fuel™, to the airport.

Västflyg, which operates all its departures from Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport, will become the first commercial airline to exclusively use aviation fuel with a high proportion of renewable aviation fuel. The practical blend will be between 30-40 percent and will be used starting from the end of June. This initiative is also supported by GKN Aerospace, a manufacturer of aircraft and rocket engine components for aircraft and engine manufacturers.

"Small steps can lead to significant changes, and that's exactly what we intend to demonstrate with our commitment here. Our hope is that, together with Västflyg, our partner GKN Aerospace, and Neste, we can inspire and pave the way for a more sustainable future for the aviation industry," said Anna Råhnängen, Airport Manager at Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport.

"The aviation industry is essential for a functioning society, and according to all projections, the aviation industry is expected to double over the next 15 years. This also means that aviation-related emissions will increase," explained Anna Petre, CEO of Västflyg. "By using aviation fuel with a high proportion of renewable aviation fuel (SAF) for all our departures, we will be able to immediately reduce our emissions from day one," Anna stated.

"Renewable aviation fuel is widely recognized as a key factor in achieving the aviation industry's goals of reducing emissions. Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport and Västflyg have taken a significant and important step by using fuel blended with renewable aviation fuel for all departures. It demonstrates their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air travel and sets an example for other airports and airlines worldwide," said Alexander Kueper, VP EMEA from the Renewable Aviation business unit at Neste.

"At GKN Aerospace, we have been working on the green transition in the aviation industry for many years. The initiative taken by Västflyg and Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport is a significant step toward carbon-neutral aviation and paves the way for more actors to make the transition. We believe that collaboration and partnerships can make the biggest difference, and we are extremely proud to support Västflyg and the airport in this initiative," said Martin Wänblom, CEO of GKN Aerospace Sweden.

Reducing emissions by up to 80 percent:

Renewable aviation fuel provides a more sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based jet fuel. Using Neste MY Renewable Aviation Fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent* over the fuel's lifecycle compared to the use of fossil jet fuel. Neste MY Renewable Aviation Fuel is produced from sustainably sourced 100 percent waste and residue materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat. According to current regulations, the blending of renewable aviation fuel with fossil jet fuel is allowed up to 50 percent. Renewable aviation fuel is blended with conventional aviation fuel and is compatible with existing aircraft engines and fuel infrastructure.

*) The percentage reduction in greenhouse gas emissions applies when the fuel is used in its pure form (i.e., unblended) and is calculated using established life cycle assessment (LCA) methods, such as the CORSIA methodology.

/text by @aviationbybma 10/9-23