LATAM uses SAF for first international flight

Chile-based LATAM Airlines Group reached a milestone in its decarbonization target by completing its first international flight using sustainable aviation fuel. Operated by LATAM Cargo Chile , the flight took off from the Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ) in Spain and traveled to North America in early March. Using 30,000 liters (about 8,000 gallons) SAF purchased from U.K.-based Air BP , LATAM is one step closer to reaching its carbon-free target by 2050, Johanna Cabrera, sustainability manager of LATAM Airlines, told Air Cargo Next. [caption id="attachment_98896" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo/LATAM Cargo[/caption] “In addition to working on a SAF agenda — that involves various actors that can support in raising awareness on this issue and thus promote the production of this sustainable fuel in the region — we must move forward in complementary measures that allow us to continue working on our climate-change agenda,” Cabrera said. Since May 2021, LATAM has been making progress in reducing emissions through operational practices, Cabrera added. At that time, LATAM changed its plan for long-term sustainability, setting several goals to achieve the International Air Transport Association’s target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Its strategy includes removing single-plastic use from its 17 aircraft and becoming a zero waste-to-landfill company by 2027, according to a March 3 press release. However, the airline recognizes there are obstacles. “The amounts of SAF currently available worldwide are very limited — less than 1% of global requirements [45 million tonnes by 2050] — and access to these types of fuels in Latin America is nil,” Cabrera said. “There is still no production of SAF in the region, nor are there the enabling conditions present in terms of public policy to boost this market, so it remains one of the great challenges facing the decarbonization of the industry.” It is encouraging that many airlines are partnering with SAF providers to hit decarbonization targets, but the reality is that the availability of SAF is extremely low, Glyn Hughes, director general of The International Air Cargo Association told Air Cargo Next. Without proper government support or incentives, acquiring SAF in regions such as Latin America can be tricky, he said. “Latin America does potentially have good feedstock material, but it’s a lower-income region, so ticket prices are lower than other areas and taxes are much higher, particularly on fuel,” Hughes said. “In some markets, government taxes and fees can account for as much as 65% of the total fare. In this market, the ability for carriers to pay the higher cost of SAF is extremely limited.” LATAM’s most recent flight using SAF is significant because it was certified by the International Sustainability Carbon Certification . LATAM has a goal of using 5% SAF by 2030 for all its flights. It is the first airline group to procure SAF from Air BP at ZAZ. The airline believes its location in South America could contribute to the production of SAF long term. Location key for SAF production “South America has a great potential to produce SAF in terms of raw material, and therefore make a very significant contribution to both climate action and the economic development that is entailed with the creation of a new industry [which] moves forward with an agenda ... to promote the production of SAF in our region,” Cabrera said. LATAM told Air Cargo Next it is unsure how many more SAF-fueled flights are scheduled. However, the company is working on collaborations with clients to ensure that enough SAF is available long term to lock down its plans. “In t erms of airline management, its strategy in relation to the industry’s decarbonization commitments, the budget allocated, and the joint work with governments, customers, producers and other stakeholders are also key [to SAF procurement and production],” Cabrera said. Despite challenges , LATAM’s landmark flight means the airline is on the right path, Andres Bianchi, chief executive of LATAM Cargo, said in the press release. “This flight represents one of the group’s most visible advances in its agenda concerning the use of SAF. At LATAM we made a commitment to contribute to the protection of our environment, and the introduction of this type of fuel is a key step in that direction,” Bianchi said.

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