Iberia Maintenance has made a significant leap in its sustainability efforts by integrating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into its engine test benches at the La Muñoza facilities near Madrid’s Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport. As the first aeronautical maintenance provider in Spain to adopt SAF on a continuous basis, Iberia Maintenance is setting an example for the industry, contributing to a greener future in aviation.
The Impact of SAF on Emissions
With a 5% blend of SAF in its engine testing operations, Iberia Maintenance is expected to reduce its annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 115 tonnes. This achievement is a noteworthy milestone as the aviation sector seeks to meet ambitious decarbonisation targets. The SAF used in these tests is provided by energy company Cepsa, which produces second-generation biofuels from organic waste and used cooking oils at its La Rábida Energy Park in Huelva.
Cepsa will supply over 36 tonnes of SAF to Iberia Maintenance this year alone, highlighting the strong collaboration between these two companies to push the boundaries of sustainable aviation. Marta Cencillo, Head of Sustainable Aviation at Cepsa, noted, “We continue to take steps together with Iberia to facilitate the sustainability of their operations and promote sustainable aviation.”
A Step Towards Net-Zero Aviation by 2050
This initiative is part of the larger environmental sustainability strategy set forth by the International Airlines Group (IAG), of which Iberia is a member. IAG is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and the continuous use of SAF in engine test benches is a key part of this long-term vision.
Teresa Parejo, Iberia’s Director of Sustainability, emphasized the importance of this move, stating, “We are very proud to have taken another step towards the decarbonisation of the sector with the use of SAF in our test bench. Collaboration, technology, and innovation are the essential elements to achieve the industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.”
This forward-thinking approach is also reinforced by Iberia’s agreement with Cepsa to collaborate on the research and development of additional sustainable fuels and energy alternatives. This includes the electrification of ground fleets that provide airport services, furthering their sustainability journey across multiple facets of the aviation ecosystem.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Supporting Aviation Sustainability
As sustainability consultants with expertise in the aviation sector, VURDHAAN is proud to see the increasing adoption of SAF and other green technologies by leading players like Iberia Maintenance. Our consultancy actively works with aviation companies to implement sustainable solutions in line with international frameworks such as CORSIA, EU ETS, and SBTi.
We support our clients by providing tailored strategies to reduce their carbon footprint, navigate complex regulations, and adopt innovative solutions like SAF, helping them not only comply with industry standards but also become leaders in sustainable aviation. The use of SAF, for example, is one of the key areas in which we guide organisations to reduce their non-CO2 emissions, contributing to both environmental and business performance.
SAF: A Catalyst for Future Innovation
SAF’s role in the decarbonisation of aviation cannot be overstated. By significantly reducing lifecycle emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels, SAF offers a practical solution for airlines and related sectors to cut down on their environmental impact while continuing to operate efficiently. As both a drop-in fuel and a scalable technology, SAF bridges the gap between today’s aviation demands and the industry’s net-zero goals.
The collaboration between Iberia Maintenance and Cepsa serves as a powerful example of how the industry can move forward by integrating cleaner technologies, strategic partnerships, and sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Iberia Maintenance’s use of SAF in its engine test benches represents a significant step toward a greener aviation sector. With 115 tonnes of CO2 emissions set to be avoided annually, this initiative exemplifies how innovative solutions can be seamlessly incorporated into existing operations for maximum impact. The aviation industry’s long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 is challenging, but with collaborative efforts like this, progress is being made.
At VURDHAAN, we are committed to supporting companies on their sustainability journey, helping them adopt the latest technologies and practices to stay ahead in the green transition. With the right guidance and strategy, the aviation sector is poised to thrive in a more sustainable future.