Emirates Airlines and ENOC Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on initiatives aimed at providing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Emirates at its Dubai hub. The agreement, formalized at the Dubai Airshow, marks a significant step in advancing the use of SAF in the region’s aviation sector, according to the press release.
The MoU was signed by Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, and Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of ENOC Group. This partnership will pave the way for studies on the feasibility of SAF supply within Dubai, examining key factors such as supply chain infrastructure, production capabilities, and commercial viability. The focus will be on assessing ways to establish a robust and economically sustainable SAF production and delivery system in Dubai, with ENOC exploring its potential role in local SAF production. A joint steering committee will oversee the evaluation process.
Adel Al Redha commented, “Emirates is committed to integrating sustainable aviation fuel into our operations, and this partnership with ENOC is a critical step toward achieving that goal. Ensuring a reliable SAF supply in Dubai is a priority, and through this collaboration, we can identify the best pathways for its integration. While there is much work to be done to overcome supply and infrastructure challenges, partnerships like this are vital in developing practical solutions and laying the groundwork for SAF availability, not just in Dubai, but across our global network.”
Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of ENOC Group, emphasized, “We understand the pivotal role SAF plays in reducing carbon emissions in aviation. This MoU with Emirates underscores our mutual commitment to advancing local SAF production and building the necessary infrastructure to support low-carbon aviation. As the UAE aims to meet its target of supplying 1% of national airlines’ jet fuel needs from locally produced SAF by 2031, this partnership is a significant step toward reaching that objective. ENOC remains dedicated to investing in innovative solutions, strengthening partnerships, and developing sustainable supply chains to support the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 targets.”
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a certified, drop-in fuel compatible with existing aircraft and airport systems. SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel at up to a 50% ratio, resulting in lower lifecycle carbon emissions. When used in its pure form, SAF has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.
Emirates is already playing a key role in the UAE’s efforts to establish a sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem. The airline is a member of the Technical Group within the Aviation Fuels Executive Committee, which is convened by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, as well as the Dubai Biofuels, Hydrogen, and SAF Committee, which is managed by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.
As part of its contributions, Emirates has been actively involved in shaping the UAE’s General Policy for SAF, which aims to position the country as a regional leader in alternative aviation fuels, with production targets set at 700 million liters by 2030. Additionally, Emirates and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) have played crucial roles in developing the UAE’s power-to-liquid (PtL) fuel strategy, a collaborative initiative led by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in partnership with the World Economic Forum.
Emirates has also conducted several demonstration flights using SAF. In January 2023, the airline flew a Boeing 777 using 100% SAF in one of its engines. Later, in November 2023, Emirates became the first airline to operate an A380 flight with one of its engines running entirely on SAF. That same month, Emirates integrated 315,000 gallons of blended SAF into the fuel supply at Dubai International Airport, showcasing its commitment to scaling up the use of sustainable fuels.
During the 2024-2025 financial year, Emirates purchased 7,519 tonnes of SAF at airports around its network, including Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Oslo, Singapore, Paris, Lyon, and Nice, further demonstrating its dedication to advancing sustainability in aviation.
