How the United Arab Emirates is Transforming Sustainable Air Travel and Establishing a Hub for Aviation Fuel Innovation to Boost Travel Industry ?

Published on August 10, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The United Arab Emirates is on the verge of revolutionizing sustainable air travel, positioning itself as a global leader in the development and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This transformation is fueled by the country’s culture of innovation and collaboration, which could lay the foundation for a new regional hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.

In recent years, Boeing and its partners in the United Arab Emirates have worked closely with the government, airline leaders, and other stakeholders to envision a future where renewable energy powers the aviation sector. This vision took a significant step forward with the launch of “Air-CRAFT,” a UAE-based research consortium focused on developing, producing, and scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technologies. The initiative was unveiled on the sidelines of the 3rd ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai, preceding COP28.

The momentum for advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the In recent years, Boeing and its partners in the United Arab Emirates have worked closely with the government, airline leaders, and other stakeholders to envision a future where renewable energy powers the aviation sector. This vision took a significant step forward with the launch of “Air-CRAFT,” a UAE-based research consortium focused on developing, producing, and scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technologies. The initiative was unveiled on the sidelines of the 3rd ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai, preceding COP28.

has only accelerated. During the 80th annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah Al Marri emphasized the nation’s potential in SAF production and the importance of partnerships with the private sector. IATA also announced the establishment of a SAF registry, which will allow the commercial aviation industry to track SAF usage accurately and promote a global market for the fuel.

Sustainable aviation is crucial as the industry aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with air travel expected to surpass 10 billion passenger journeys globally. In the UAE, aviation is a vital part of the economy, supporting nearly 800,000 jobs and contributing approximately 13.3% to the national GDP. While the benefits of aviation are clear, so is the responsibility to minimize its environmental impact.

To achieve sustainable air travel, a multifaceted approach is needed. Boeing has identified four key strategies: replacing older fleets with more efficient aircraft, enhancing operational efficiency through digital tools, developing advanced technologies like hydrogen and electric propulsion, and, most importantly, expanding the use of renewable energy through SAF. SAF has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 85% over its lifecycle and can be blended with conventional jet fuel without requiring changes to existing infrastructure.

However, scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production faces challenges, including limited supply and higher costs. This is where the UAE’s leadership could prove crucial. With its significant investment in renewable energy and its commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, the UAE is well-positioned to advance SAF technologies, including Power-to-Liquids (PtL), which converts renewable electricity, CO2, and water into liquid hydrocarbons like jet fuel.

A Boeing-supported report suggests that by 2050, the UAE could produce up to 11 million tons of PtL Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) annually, covering approximately 70% of national jet fuel consumption and supporting over one million jobs. The UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap aims to produce 700 million liters of SAF annually, leveraging all available feedstock channels.

The UAE’s airlines are already leading the charge in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption. Emirates conducted the region’s first 100% SAF-powered demonstration flight on a Boeing 777-300ER, while Etihad operated the world’s first flight using a SAF blend made from plants grown in saltwater in the UAE.

With continued collaboration among stakeholders, the UAE is poised to ensure that the growth of the aviation industry is sustained by low-carbon technologies, setting a global standard for sustainable air travel.