Red Sea Global, Saudi Arabia‘s regenerative tourism developer, is set to bring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to the kingdom for the first time.
Sustainable aviation fuel will be available to all airlines operating at the Red Sea International Airport.
Per a press release, SAF will reduce the produced carbon emissions resulting directly from each aircraft that uses it by up to 35 percent.
“Travel is a way to bridge cultures, broaden horizons and regenerate the mind, body and soul. But travel has a cost, especially for our planet,” said John Pagano, Red Sea Global’s CEO.
“That is why we promised to transform the industry, moving it towards a sustainable, regenerative future.
“By bringing sustainable aviation fuel into the kingdom, we are dramatically reducing our guests’ personal carbon footprint from the moment they arrive and even after they leave.”
SAF to reduce carbon emissions by 35%
Red Sea Global and daa International, the operator of Red Sea International Airport, struck the deal with the airport’s fuel supplier, Arabian Petroleum Supply Company (APSCO).
Sustainable aviation fuel and lower carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) were both developed to help reduce greenhouse gas lifecycle emissions associated with flying.
The former can be made either from clean hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide, or renewable or waste-derived aviation fuels.
Current international standards and recommendations issued by relevant organisations require sustainable aviation fuel to be blended with standard Jet A-1 aviation fuel.
The Red Sea International Airport’s fuel supply is blended at 35 percent SAF and 65 percent standard Jet A-1.
Michael White, the Red Sea International Airport’s chief commercial officer, said: “This groundbreaking initiative not only reduces carbon emissions but also aligns with our broader mission to protect the Red Sea’s unique and fragile ecosystem.”
Red Sea Global’s subsidiary air operator, Fly Red Sea, will also refuel its fleet exclusively with sustainable fuels.
Red Sea Global is the developer behind Amaala and The Red Sea, both regenerative tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia.
The Red Sea welcomed its first guests in 2023, while its airport has been receiving a regular schedule of domestic flights since September 2023. International flights began in April 2024.
Amaala is on track to welcome its first guests in 2025.
Images courtesy of Red Sea Global
