The cleaner fuel product is supplied by World Fuel Services as a 35% blend and is available to all flight operators at the airport.
HIAL’s ambition is to become a net-zero regional airport group and it is committed to providing a continuous supply of SAF at Inverness Airport, where there is an ongoing demand beyond previous supplies for one-off events or trials.
The Scottish airports operator has made several steps towards understanding and reducing its carbon emissions and undertakes annual carbon footprint calculations. Initiatives already introduced across the group include solar powered passenger boarding ramps, and 100% electric or hybrid Ground Power Units (GPUs). The group has also replaced a number of large fire-fighting appliances with smaller equivalents that provide 30% fuel savings and require less diesel consumption.
A vital role
HIAL managing director Inglis Lyon said: “At HIAL we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. As an operator of 11 airports, it is important to work with aviation partners to decarbonise flights within Scotland, and SAF will play a vital role in helping meet the Scottish Government’s target to create the world’s first net-zero aviation region by 2040.
“The offering at Inverness Airport takes us one step closer to meeting our sustainability goals. Making SAF available at Inverness will hopefully be a catalyst for its wider introduction across the Highlands and Islands, giving those flying in and out of our airports a real the choice to support decarbonisation and sustainability goals.”
Committed to cleaner fuels
Duncan Storey, vice president, Supply Aviation Europe at World Fuel Services said: “World Fuel Services is committed to the industry’s goal of reducing carbon emissions. Since 2015, we have delivered more than 39 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel to business and commercial aviation customers worldwide.
“Making sustainable aviation fuel available at Inverness furthers the adoption of cleaner fuels. World Fuel will continue investing in innovative solutions and expanding renewable and lower–emission fuels and energy offerings to help advance the industry on its path to net zero.”
Kevin Stewart, minister for transport said, “While it’s important to have longer term targets to achieve net zero, it’s equally important to reduce emissions today where we can. The introduction of a continuous supply of sustainable aviation fuel at Inverness Airport will enable aircraft flying now to lower their emissions as we work to achieve full net zero.”
