The aviation sector is undergoing a transformation as companies across the industry work to decarbonise and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. One promising avenue is the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). A recent collaboration between OMV, a leading energy company, and Airbus, a global leader in aerospace, demonstrates the critical role partnerships play in advancing sustainability.
A Milestone Agreement for a Greener Future
In a significant step forward, OMV and Airbus have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster the development and adoption of SAF. This agreement is more than a corporate alliance—it is a roadmap to reducing CO2 emissions while creating a ripple effect across the aviation value chain.
The partnership focuses on several key initiatives:
- Expanding SAF Accessibility: OMV and Airbus plan to develop joint solutions that make SAF accessible to more stakeholders. By stimulating new demand, they aim to justify large-scale investments in SAF production infrastructure.
- Innovating Feedstocks and Processes: The agreement includes efforts to identify and expedite the testing, evaluation, and certification of new feedstocks and production pathways. This will enable the quicker availability of SAF to the aviation market.
- Enhancing Industry Collaboration: Both companies recognize that cross-sectoral collaboration is the cornerstone of advancing sustainable practices. By pooling resources and expertise, OMV and Airbus aim to align with broader sustainability goals.
Leveraging Expertise to Drive Results
Martijn van Koten, OMV’s executive vice president for fuels and feedstock, emphasized that transformative partnerships are essential for building a resilient SAF ecosystem. “SAF is a cornerstone of OMV’s Strategy 2030 and our path to climate neutrality,” he said, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Echoing this sentiment, Julie Kitcher, Airbus’ chief sustainability officer, said, “This partnership fits perfectly with Airbus’ ambition to enable a global net-zero aviation sector.” By joining forces, the two companies aim to lead the charge in scaling SAF production and adoption.
Progress and Commitments: A Snapshot of OMV’s SAF Leadership
OMV has been producing SAF at its Schwechat refinery in Austria since March 2022, utilizing locally sourced, sustainable materials like used cooking oil. The company has already delivered SAF to airlines operating out of Vienna Airport and has pledged to supply 1.5 million tons of SAF by 2030.
In addition to its Austrian facility, OMV is making bold investments in Romania. At the Petrobrazi refinery, the company is building a SAF/HVO production unit alongside two green hydrogen facilities. This comprehensive approach showcases OMV’s commitment to integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations.
The Role of SAF in Aviation’s Green Transition
SAF is widely regarded as one of the most viable solutions to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental footprint. Produced from sustainable feedstocks such as waste oils, agricultural residues, and advanced biofuels, SAF reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to traditional jet fuel.
While the technology to produce SAF has advanced significantly, its adoption faces challenges, including high production costs and limited availability. Initiatives like the OMV-Airbus collaboration are essential to scaling SAF solutions and meeting global climate targets.
VURDHAAN’s Alignment with Aviation Sustainability
At VURDHAAN, we recognize the vital role SAF plays in achieving a sustainable future for aviation. Through our tailored consultancy services, we actively support stakeholders in the aviation sector to navigate regulatory frameworks like CORSIA, EU ETS, and the Airport Carbon Accreditation. By leveraging our expertise, we empower clients to incorporate sustainable practices and enhance ESG ratings, ensuring compliance and driving long-term impact.
The Road Ahead: Building Momentum for SAF Adoption
The OMV-Airbus partnership signals a broader industry shift towards sustainable practices. It underscores the necessity of cooperation between energy providers, manufacturers, and policymakers to accelerate innovation and overcome the barriers to SAF adoption.
As aviation strives to reconcile economic growth with environmental stewardship, partnerships like this pave the way for a more sustainable future. By aligning their strategies, OMV and Airbus demonstrate that collective action is the key to transforming the aviation industry and achieving net-zero emissions.