easyJet and Airbus have launched a pilot trial of a new corporate partnership model to encourage global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. Starting in November, this initiative will explore how airlines and corporate organizations can share SAF costs in a mutually beneficial way, increasing demand and supply for the fuel.
For this trial, easyJet will supply SAF for its route between Bristol (BRS) and Toulouse (TLS)—a route frequently used by Airbus employees—with a 30% SAF blend over a three-month period. The SAF used in the trial will be derived from biomass, such as used cooking oil, enabling a substantial reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
Airbus is the first corporate partner in this project, purchasing a specific quantity of SAF to offset the carbon footprint from its corporate flights. In return, corporate partners will receive verified SAF certificates, which they can include in their scope 3 emissions reporting, while easyJet will report under scope 1 emissions.
Thomas Haagensen, Group Markets Director at easyJet, highlighted the project’s relevance for corporate aviation: “Business travelers make up around 14% of our customer base, and they are always looking to reduce the impact of their flights. This model not only helps them with emissions reporting but also drives growth in the SAF industry, which will be essential for reaching the industry’s net-zero targets.”
Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Carbon Dioxide Removal at Airbus, emphasized the need to scale SAF production: “Currently, SAF is available in limited quantities, and we need to increase supply and close the price gap with conventional fuel. In 2023, 600 million liters of SAF were produced globally, and every drop was used. This trial is about building a resilient SAF economy because we have the technology and the aircraft—we just need more SAF.”
This initiative is the latest collaboration between easyJet and Airbus to lower aviation’s environmental impact. In this initial phase, Airbus is the exclusive partner, though easyJet is in advanced discussions with other companies interested in joining the scheme. Through this project, both companies aim to create sustainable demand for SAF and support a faster transition to a greener aviation industry.
Currently, all Airbus aircraft are capable of flying with up to 50% SAF, and the manufacturer is targeting full compatibility with 100% SAF by 2030.
