Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi’s tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Red Sea International Airport (RSI). The deal marks the first supply of SAF in the Kingdom.
RSG and daa International, which operates Red Sea International Airport, struck the deal with the airport’s fuel supplier, Arabian Petroleum Supply company (APSCO) to enable airlines the option to refuel with SAF at the airport, which opened for international flights last year, having opened for domestic operations in 2023.
“Introducing SAF at Red Sea International Airport marks a significant milestone in our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” commented Michael White, RSI’s CCO. “This groundbreaking initiative not only reduces carbon emissions but aligns with our broader mission to protect the Red Sea’s unique and fragile ecosystem.”
The SAF supplied at RSI is blended with standard jet fuel at a ratio of 35 percent to 65 per cent Jet A1 and can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 35%.
John Pagano, Group CEO of RSG, emphasised the environmental significance of the deal. “Travel is a way to bridge cultures, broaden horizons and regenerate the mind, body and soul,” he said. “But travel has a cost, especially for our planet.”
Underlining RSG’s ongoing commitment to sustainability in the aviation sector, he continued, “That is why we promised to transform the industry, moving it towards a sustainable, regenerative future. By bringing SAF into the Kingdom, we are dramatically reducing our guests’ personal carbon footprint from the moment they arrive and even after they leave.
“More than this, we’re supporting the wider aviation sector to start making choices that are better for the environment.”
In line with its ambition to achieve net zero, RSG’s subsidiary air operator, Fly Red Sea, which provides seaplane transfer, charter and scenic tours services will refuel its fleet exclusively with fuels that ensure aviation is more sustainable, such as SAF and lower carbon aviation fuel (LCAF).
The introduction of SAF complements RSG’s other solutions to reduce carbon emissions, such as its initiative to power all operations from sunlight and its aims to increase the density of mangroves by 50 million by 2030 by protecting, restoring and enhancing habitats.
Image source: Red Sea Global
