Finnair reduces carbon emissions from flights departing Helsinki Airport with Neste SAF

Tanker truck delivering Neste’s sustainable aviation fuel at Helsinki Airport in Finland (Photo: Neste Corp.)

Finnair has purchased 750 tons (approximately 250,000 gallons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ from Neste to reduce the carbon emissions from flights departing from Helsinki Airport in Finland.

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one of the most important tools for reducing the emissions of air travel in the coming years and is available for all airlines at Helsinki Airport.

Finnair aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, and the use of SAF is an important tool in this regard.

Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel reduces greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80 percent over the fuel’s lifecycle compared to using fossil jet fuel.

The fuel volume now purchased is Finnair’s single-largest batch of SAF purchased to date.

The SAF will be delivered by Neste to Helsinki Airport in early 2023.

The 750 tons of SAF corresponds to approximately 400 flights between Helsinki and Stockholm using unblended, 100 percent SAF.

Currently, SAF can be used blended up to 50 percent with conventional fossil jet fuel.

“Finnair celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, and reducing emissions from flying is an essential part of a sustainable future,” said Eveliina Huurre, Finnair’s senior vice president of sustainability. “Sustainable aviation fuel will be one of the most important tools for reducing emissions in the coming years. We also involve our customers in this, and a small part of every flight ticket sold goes to the cost of sustainable aviation fuel. Reducing emissions from flying requires an extensive toolkit and everyone’s effort. While we are increasing the use of SAF, we will also continue to take all other steps, from reducing the weight of aircraft to optimizing flight routes and increasing fuel efficiency.”

Jonathan Wood, vice president of commercial and technical management in renewable aviation at Neste, added, “Finnair was one of the first airlines using our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. We have been working together for a long time and look forward to supporting Finnair to meet its sustainability targets. It is great to see Finnair taking the initiative to voluntarily purchase our SAF as part of their sustainability commitments and creating awareness among their customers on how to play a role in creating a more sustainable future.”

Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel is produced from sustainably sourced, 100 percent renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste.

SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel and works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.