Kenya Airways completes inaugural SAF flight

Kenya Airways announced completion of its inaugural flight using 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on the Nairobi to Cape Town route.

The SAF was made from Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) feedstocks, which include waste materials like used cooking oil. The airline said the SAF used was verified through recognised certification systems, ensuring traceability and transparency.

“This flight shows what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation. It’s a step toward practical solutions that reduce our impact while keeping operations efficient,” said Hellen Mwariri, chief strategy & innovation officer at Kenya Airways.

In addition to using SAF, the airline has introduced other sustainable practices to mitigate its carbon footprint including reusable cutlery to minimise waste followed by local sourcing of food items and waste recycling.

Kenya Airways said it closely working with government bodies, local innovators and global partners such as IATA, SkyTeam, and AFRAA to establish domestic SAF production capabilities in Kenya by 2026.