Underlining its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Air New Zealand has welcomed the first shipment of Neste My Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

The fuel has been imported into the country in partnership with Z Energy with the first shipment put into the fuel system at New Zealand’s Marsden Point harbour, where it will make its way down to Auckland Airport to be delivered to the airline through the regular jet fuel supply chain.

The 1.2 million litre (937 tonnes) import of neat SAF is equivalent to fuelling around 400 return flights between Auckland and Wellington.

Highlighting that this is a “major milestone” for the airline, Greg Foran, Air New Zealand CEO said: “While we are starting out small, it will help us to understand how we can ensure the supply chain is robust enough to keep up with demand. Currently, SAF only makes up less than 1% of the global fuel supply and is around three to five times the cost of fossil jet fuel, while sourcing it is a challenge, it’s one we are tackling head on. By 2030, we expect our fleet to be fuelled by 10% SAF.”

Import partner Z Energy’s CEO, Mike Bennetts, added that Z is already investing in low-carbon revenue streams that are better for both their customers and the planet. “We support and recognise the need for SAF to become the norm in Aotearoa and it is a key part of Z’s roadmap to support our customers on their journey to a low-carbon future. We are pleased to work alongside Air NZ and Neste to bring this shipment of SAF into the country and recognise collaboration with others will be essential to help us decarbonise at the scale and pace needed to address climate change.”

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