Finnair Increases Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Finnair is increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel as part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions from flying.

The Nordic airline has bought 750 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from its partner, Neste, for use on flights departing from Helsinki Airport.

It represents Finnair’s largest single batch of SAF purchased to date and is part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to combat climate change.

The SAF will be delivered by Neste to Helsinki Airport in early 2023, with the 750 tons corresponding to approximately 400 flights between Helsinki and Stockholm using unblended, 100% SAF.

By using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to using fossil jet fuel.

Finnair’s customers are also involved in reducing carbon dioxide emissions from flights, with a small part of the price of each ticket being allocated towards the cost of using sustainable aviation fuel.

The airline aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, and sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most essential tools for reducing air travel emissions in the coming years.

Eveliina Huure, Finnair SVP Sustainability, said: “Finnair celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and reducing emissions from flying is essential to a sustainable future.

“In the coming years, sustainable aviation fuel will be one of the most important tools for reducing aviation-related emissions.

“We also involve our customers in this, and a small part of every flight ticket sold goes to the cost of sustainable aviation fuel. In addition, customers can reduce the emissions of flying by using our carbon offsetting service, which combines SAF purchases and certified offsetting projects.”

Jonathan Wood, Neste Vice President Commercial and Technical Development, Renewable Aviation, said: “Finnair was one of the first airlines using our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel and we have been working together for a long time.

“SAF is the most effective tool currently available to reduce the emissions of air travel and it is great to see Finnair taking the initiative to voluntarily purchase our SAF as part of their sustainability commitments and creating awareness among their customers on how these can play a role in creating a more sustainable future for aviation too.”

Increasing the use of SAF will have an impact on the airline’s costs, as it is more expensive than conventional aviation fossil fuel.

To account for this, a small portion of each Finnair flight ticket sold – about 20 cents per ticket – is going towards the cost of SAF. This proportion could rise in the future as the operating obligations imposed on airlines increase the use of SAF.

Finnair also encourages its customers to reduce the carbon emissions of their flights through their actions.

Since spring 2022, Finnair has offered its customers the opportunity to reduce the emissions of flying by combining sustainable aviation fuels and certified emission reduction projects. The service operates on the website of Finnair’s partner Chooose.