#London #United Kingdom #International Airlines Group #Infinium #Sustainable Aviation Fuel

International Airlines Group Partners with Infinium on Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The International Airlines Group (IAG) has recently unveiled a new agreement with Infinium, an innovative producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This partnership aims to enhance the availability of e-SAF in the UK market beginning in 2026. The deal marks an essential step in IAG's quest to meet its ambitious carbon neutrality goals by 2030.

Under this ten-year agreement, Infinium will supply IAG with commercially viable volumes of e-SAF, representing a significant contribution to the airline group’s portfolio. IAG, which operates major airlines including British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Vueling, and LEVEL, has notably accounted for around 12% of the global SAF usage in recent years. This new partnership reflects IAG's commitment to advancing sustainable practices in aviation.

The production of e-SAF involves converting renewable resources—specifically, water, waste carbon dioxide, and renewable energy—into fuel. This innovative process drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions, with projections suggesting up to a 90% reduction compared to conventional jet fuel. The ability of e-SAF to serve as a direct replacement for traditional aviation fuels is a game-changer, eliminating the need for modifications to existing aircraft technology.

Jonathon Counsell, IAG's Group Sustainability Officer, emphasized the importance of their collaboration with innovators like Infinium in achieving their sustainability targets. IAG is on track for its objective of a 10% SAF usage by 2030, but Counsell stated that industry-wide decarbonization requires supportive policymaking rather than increased costs that could hinder competitiveness within the European aviation sector.

The e-SAF will be produced at Infinium's Project Roadrunner facility in West Texas, which is set to become the world's largest producer of e-SAF upon completion. This project is backed by substantial financial commitments from notable investors like Brookfield Asset Management and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, combining resources and expertise to catalyze the growth of this sustainable energy sector.

Robert Schuetzle, CEO of Infinium, remarked on the significance of this deal, noting that long-term commitments are crucial for scaling the production of e-SAF. Such agreements are not just milestones for the airline industry but also pave the way for broader adoption of eFuels across various sectors, providing a promising alternative to fossil fuels.

IAG's commitment to sustainability extends beyond this agreement. The airline is also focusing on investing in new fuel-efficient aircraft, enhancing fuel management strategies, and supporting carbon removal technologies to lower operational emissions. According to the latest figures from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), IAG has been instrumental in promoting the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.

Infinium, specializing in electrofuels—fuels synthesized sustainably from renewable energy and waste—aims to help various transport sectors achieve their carbon reduction targets. The collaboration between Infinium and IAG represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing climate issues while supporting the industry's shift toward sustainable practices. The introduction of e-SAF into IAG's operations will not only boost their operational sustainability but also set an example for peers in the aviation sector to follow.

As the airline industry faces growing scrutiny regarding its environmental impact, partnerships like the one between IAG and Infinium signify a commitment to leveraging innovative solutions that align with global sustainability goals. This coalition reinforces the notion that the future of aviation is inherently tied to sustainable practices and innovative technologies capable of transforming the way the industry operates.

In summary, IAG and Infinium's collaboration on e-SAF epitomizes a promising pathway towards a greener future in air travel, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can help the aviation sector tackle the pressing challenge of climate change head-on.