British Airways has become the first airline to utilize sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced at commercial scale in the UK, marking a major milestone in the country’s push toward greener air travel. The SAF was supplied by Phillips 66’s Humber Refinery as part of a multi-year agreement between the two companies, underscoring their shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector.
The partnership was announced by SAF Investor, which noted that this collaboration represents a significant achievement not only for the airline but also for domestic fuel production. Darren Cunningham, General Manager of the Humber Refinery and CEO of Phillips 66 UK, commented, “Phillips 66 Humber Refinery is proud to supply British Airways with sustainable aviation fuel. This strategic partnership and supply agreement affirm both companies’ commitment to a low-carbon future.”
British Airways Chairman and CEO Sean Doyle echoed this sentiment, saying, “Being the first airline to procure sustainable aviation fuel produced at commercial scale in the UK is another breakthrough moment for us and the aviation industry. We are committed to using SAF to help power our flights and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.”
The SAF supplied under this agreement will be blended with traditional jet fuel and used to power flights from British Airways’ operations, contributing to the airline’s broader sustainability goals. The move also highlights the importance of domestic production capacity in building a more resilient and environmentally sustainable fuel supply chain.
This collaboration sets a new precedent for the UK aviation industry, showcasing how partnerships between airlines and fuel producers can play a vital role in accelerating the transition to lower-carbon air travel.