Iberia has joined forces with Cepsa, one of Spain’s market leaders in aviation fuel, to develop and produce sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) on a large scale from waste, recycled used oils and other sustainable plant-based feedstocks.
On Monday (January 24, 2022), Iberia Group announced the launch of a new partnership with Cepsa, one of Spain’s market leaders in aviation fuel. The companies will collaborate in the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) on a large scale from waste, recycled used oils, and other sustainable plant-based sources feedstocks (2nd generation bios). The agreement also includes Iberia Express, and will also consider other alternative energy sources such as renewable hydrogen and electricity to power aircraft ground support equipment (GSE). As part of the deal, Iberia also secures preferential access from Cepsa for SAF, resulting in a competitive advantage for customers and investors.
In today’s announcement, Cepsa’s CEO, Maarten Wetselaar, said,
“This alliance illustrates our commitment to sustainability and our strong resolve to support our customers by providing them with viable solutions that accelerate their energy transition. As a leader in the supply of fuels to the airline industry, we share with the Iberia Group the common goal of promoting the decarbonization of transport as a tool in the fight against climate change.”
Also commenting on the new sustainable energy partnership, Iberia’s Chairman and CEO, Javier Sanchez-Prieto, said,
“To decarbonize the aviation sector, the development, production, and distribution of sustainably sourced fuels at affordable prices and in sufficient quantity to supply airlines is essential. We are confident that this agreement with Cepsa will contribute to that goal.”
Iberia Express’ CEO, Carlos Gómez, added,
“It is time to create synergies between companies that have the same objective: developing our business and operations while minimizing our environmental impact. This agreement is an important step on our path towards more sustainable air transport, in line with our joint commitment to the decarbonization of the sector.”
Iberia Group’s sustainability strategy consists of three pillars including, more efficient operations, a more sustainable guest travel experience and a commitment to research and development of SAF and other technologies which can help contribute to industry decarbonization. As part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), Iberia and Iberia Express have committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, and operating 10 percent of flights with sustainable fuel by 2030. The new agreement between Cepsa and the Iberia Group is also in line with the European Commission’s ‘Fit for 55’ climate package, which includes the ‘RefuelEU Aviation’ initiative, that aims to increase the demand for SAF in the EU by two percent by 2025, five percent by 2030 and 63 percent by 2050.
Source: Iberia