Neste, ENOC Group collaborate to drive SAF initiatives in Middle East North Africa region

From left, Alexander Kueper with Neste and Farid Al Bastaki with ENOC Aviation sign the collaboration agreement (Photo: ENOC)

Neste and ENOC Group, a leading integrated global energy player, have agreed to collaborate to explore the possibilities of supplying and purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and the wider Middle East North Africa region in the coming years.

Both partners are committed to supporting the efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from aviation in the region and recognize the critical role SAF can play in that.

By leveraging the expertise of Neste as the world’s leading producer of SAF and ENOC’s position as the leading jet-fuel supplier in the MENA region, this collaboration can play a key role in accelerating the shift of the aviation sector in the region towards lower-emission fuels.

Neste and ENOC recently supported Emirates’ first Airbus A380 100 percent SAF demonstration flight as they supported a similar Emirates 100 percent SAF demonstration flight on a Boeing 777-300ER earlier this year.

“This transformative agreement serves as a testament to ENOC’s unwavering commitment to advancing the UAE’s visionary goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group CEO of ENOC. “In our relentless pursuit of sustainability, ENOC is embarking on a profound journey towards integrating sustainable aviation fuel seamlessly into our operational fabric. By embracing sustainable aviation fuel, we aspire to set new standards for responsible business practices, becoming pioneers in fostering a more sustainable future for our industry. As we integrate sustainable aviation fuel into our operations, we invite our industry peers, stakeholders and the broader community to join us on this transformative journey towards a sustainable and resilient future for the UAE, the region and beyond.”

Alexander Kueper, Neste’s renewable aviation business vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, added, “Sustainable aviation fuel is a readily available solution for reducing the greenhouse-gas emissions from air travel. This milestone agreement with ENOC to explore the supply of SAF in the coming years not only illustrates our commitment to supporting airlines in the region but also the importance of cooperation with ambitious partners to increase SAF availability and adoption.”

Sustainable aviation fuel is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel.

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

Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100 percent renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal-fat waste.

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