Emirates, ENOC sign MoU for SAF
Technician stands next to 777 engine with 100% SAF
Emirates Airlines and Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) Group signed a memorandum of understanding to explore and develop joint initiatives for the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Dubai.
The agreement, signed on the sidelines of Dubai Airshow, will create a framework for feasibility studies to assess SAF supply opportunities in Dubai, including supply chain infrastructure, production capabilities, and commercial viability.
The collaboration aims to explore pathways for developing economically feasible SAF production and supply infrastructure in Dubai, with ENOC evaluating its potential contribution to local production.
A joint steering committee will guide the evaluation.
“Emirates continues to explore ways to integrate sustainable aviation fuel adoption in our operations, and this partnership with ENOC represents an important step in that journey,” Adel Al Redha, deputy president and chief operating officer. “Establishing reliable SAF supply in our Dubai hub is a key priority, and this collaboration allows us to assess the most viable pathways for integration.”
In a separate agreement, ENOC Group signed an agreement with MENA Biofuels to collaborate on the offtake, supply and distribution of SAF produced in the UAE.
“This MoU with Emirates reflects our shared commitment to developing local SAF production and the infrastructure needed to make low-carbon aviation a reality. As the UAE works toward supplying 1% of jet fuel to national airlines from locally produced SAF by 2031, we believe this collaboration brings us a step closer to that goal,” said Hussain Sultan Lootah, acting CEO of ENOC Group.
Emirates also said it has contributed to the UAE’s General Policy for SAF, which aims to transform the UAE into a regional hub for alternative aviation fuels with production targets of 700m litres by 2030.
Additionally, Emirates and the UAE GCAA have played key roles in developing the UAE’s power-to-liquid (PtL) fuels roadmap, driven by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the World Economic Forum.
Emirates also spearheaded SAF demonstration flights on its Boeing 777 and A380 aircraft. In January 2023, the airline operated a Boeing 777 flight using 100% SAF in one engine, and in November 2023 conducted the first A380 demonstration flight using 100% SAF in one of its four engines.