The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is emerging as a pivotal player in the realm of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), leveraging its robust culture of innovation and collaborative spirit to establish a significant regional hub for this vital technology. With a firm commitment to advancing sustainable aviation practices, the UAE aims to create a prominent center that could drive the future of SAF across the region and beyond.

Building a New Hub for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The UAE’s ambitious vision involves harnessing its innovative capabilities and strategic location to develop a leading center for SAF. Over the past eighteen months, Boeing and its partners have been deeply engaged with UAE government officials, airline executives, and a wide array of aviation industry stakeholders. These collaborative efforts are focused on exploring and advancing renewable energy solutions within the UAE. The goal is to establish a regional hub that will serve as a focal point for SAF development and production, leveraging the UAE’s forward-thinking policies and strategic geographic position.

Launch of “Air-CRAFT” Consortium

A landmark achievement in this endeavor was the launch of the “Air-CRAFT” research consortium in November. This initiative was unveiled during the 3rd ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) in Dubai. “Air-CRAFT” is dedicated to driving the development, production, and scaling of SAF technologies, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s renewable energy journey. The timing of this launch, coinciding with the lead-up to the COP28 climate conference, highlights the UAE’s commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and its role as a leader in the aviation sector’s transition to greener practices.

Focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has become a central focus of the UAE’s strategy to reduce aviation emissions. SAF offers the potential to lower carbon emissions by up to 85 percent over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. Furthermore, SAF is fully compatible with existing aviation infrastructure, allowing it to be blended with conventional jet fuel up to 50 percent. This blend is usable with current aircraft without the need for significant modifications to fueling systems.

Government and Industry Support

Support for SAF in the UAE has been bolstered by key announcements and initiatives. Abdullah Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy and Chairman of the General Civil Aviation Authority, underscored the nation’s promising potential for SAF production during the 80th annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Additionally, IATA has announced plans to establish a SAF registry to track the quality and quantities of SAF being utilized globally. This registry aims to facilitate the creation of a global SAF market, enabling airlines to procure SAF regardless of its production location.

UAE’s Strategic Advantage and Future Goals

The UAE’s leadership in renewable energy and its commitment to climate action position it as a key player in the SAF industry. The country’s abundant renewable resources, such as consistent sunshine and strong winds, combined with its capacity to capture CO2 from the atmosphere or industrial emissions, make it an ideal location for establishing a Power-to-Liquids (PtL) production hub. PtL technology involves converting renewable electricity, CO2, and water into liquid hydrocarbons like jet fuel, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuels.

According to a report supported by Boeing, the UAE has the potential to produce up to 11 million tons of PtL SAF by 2050. This production level could meet approximately 70 percent of the country’s jet fuel needs and create over one million jobs within the UAE. Furthermore, the UAE’s National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Roadmap targets an annual production of 700 million liters of SAF, reflecting the nation’s commitment to leading the global transition to greener aviation practices.

Collaborative Efforts and Industry Achievements

The UAE’s airlines have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing SAF. In a groundbreaking achievement, Emirates completed the region’s first demonstration flight powered entirely by 100 percent SAF on a Boeing 777-300ER. This milestone was preceded by Etihad’s historic 2019 flight, which was the world’s first to utilize a SAF blend produced locally in the UAE from plants grown in saltwater—a foundational project supported by Boeing. Additionally, the 2020 Boeing ecoDemonstrator program, featuring an Etihad 787-10, tested innovative technologies aimed at reducing airplane noise and emissions while flying on a SAF blend.

The UAE’s emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment in SAF positions it as a global leader in sustainable aviation. The ongoing initiatives, including the “Air-CRAFT” consortium and significant industry achievements, underscore the nation’s dedication to advancing SAF technology and promoting a greener future for the aviation sector. As the UAE continues to drive forward with these efforts, it is set to play a crucial role in the global push towards low-carbon aviation technologies, shaping the future of sustainable aviation both regionally and worldwide.