International Airlines Group (IAG) has reached an agreement with Repsol for the acquisition of more than 28,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking the largest purchase of this kind in Spain to date. This fuel will be used in the group’s airlines, which include Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Iberia Express, and Vueling.
The use of SAF allows for an emission reduction of more than 80% compared to traditional kerosene over its life cycle, from production to consumption. The company emphasizes that this voluntary purchase of SAF is a significant step towards the goal of using 2% SAF by 2025, in line with the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. Additionally, IAG ensures that all its SAF purchases comply with strict sustainability certification systems.
Repsol, which has started producing 100% renewable fuels at its Cartagena plant, highlights that the plant has an annual production capacity of 250,000 tonnes of renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and SAF from waste. “This agreement with IAG consolidates our commitment to 100% renewable fuels as a key lever for the decarbonization of transportation in Spain,” said Josu Jon Imaz, CEO of Repsol.
Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, indicated that “sustainability is a priority for IAG and is one of the pillars on which we base our strategy and transformation.” He added that “it is important that governments continue to support the creation of a SAF industry that increases its availability and reduces its price. The development of a European SAF industry has the potential to generate thousands of jobs and would make a significant contribution to GDP.”
As of December 31, 2023, IAG’s investments in SAF amounted to $1 billion, with 86% of those commitments allocated to the future. In 2023, the group’s airlines used more than 53,000 tonnes of SAF, avoiding the emission of more than 157,000 tons of CO2.
IAG and Repsol are pioneers in the decarbonization of aviation in Spain. In 2021, Iberia conducted the first flight in Spain with biofuel produced from waste and, in collaboration with Repsol, operated its first long-haul flights with this type of fuel in 2022. Vueling has also operated flights using SAF produced by Repsol on various routes.
This agreement reinforces the commitment of both companies in the fight against climate change and the development of technologies for the decarbonization of air transport.
