Ryanair Will Buy 1,000 Tons of SAF At Stansted Airport

Ryanair has secured a deal to buy 1,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from the multinational energy company Shell at its Stansted Airport base. This is enough SAF to power over 200 flights between Stansted and Madrid, according to the airline.

The low-cost airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shell in 2022, granting Ryanair the option to buy up to 360,000 tonnes of SAF from Shell from 2025 to 2030. This initiative could reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 900,000 tonnes. That is based on the lifecycle CO2 emissions reduction from using neat SAF versus conventional jet fuel being up to 80%.

Continuing To Work With Partners To Make Ryanair Flights Sustainable

“By using SAF, the latest engine technologies and electric ground handling equipment, we are making significant investments to decarbonise our operations and achieve our commitments of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and 25% less CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 2031. Our partners at Shell and MAG are key enablers of these goals, and today’s announcement of Ryanair’s purchase of 1,000 tonnes of SAF from Shell is a testament to that. We will continue to work with our partners across the network to make every Ryanair flight as environmentally efficient as possible,” said Thomas Fowler, Ryanair’s Director of Sustainability and Finance, Speaking at Stansted Airport. 

“Shell is delighted to have started supplying sustainable aviation fuel to Ryanair at Stansted Airport, helping a valued customer reduce emissions on flights from a crucial UK transport hub. Having signed a Memorandum of Understanding to supply SAF to Ryanair in 2022, we’re pleased to see intentions converted into actions as we continue to support our customers on their decarbonization journeys,” said Shell’s GM Aviation Europe and South Africa, Ashleigh McDougall.

Ryanair’s Commitment to Net-Zero 2050

Ryanair aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. During a recent event, the airline showcased its tools and strategies for decarbonization, including a collaboration with Trinity College Dublin at the Ryanair Sustainable Aviation Research Centre.

Additionally, Ryanair has invested substantially in new technology aircraft, including acquiring its ‘Gamechanger’ fleet for $22 billion. These aircraft could reduce CO2 emissions by 16%. Furthermore, the airline has invested another $40 billion in 300 Boeing 737 MAX-10 aircraft. The airline expects its new planes to cut CO2 emissions by 20% and noise levels by 50% while increasing passenger capacity by 21%.

Airlines Increasingly Demand SAF

The aviation industry is seeking ways to shrink its environmental impact. One of the leading initiatives is adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Renewable, sustainable resources produce SAF, unlike traditional jet fuels from fossil sources. These resources include cooking oil, non-palm waste oils, agricultural residues, and municipal waste. SAF can generate fewer lifecycle carbon emissions, depending on the feedstock and technology.

The industry has committed to achieving carbon-neutral growth and aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Airlines, energy providers, and governments are working together to make SAF more available and affordable. As a result, we expect SAF usage to scale up. This change drives the aviation industry toward a greener future and aligns with global decarbonization goals.