Reduced Scope 1 emissions for Airbus through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Airbus, a global leader in the aerospace industry, is expanding the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in two of its key manufacturing facilities: Toulouse, France, and Tianjin, China. This move is part of Airbus's commitment to sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world.
The Benefits of SAF
SAF offers significant environmental benefits. On average, it can provide 80 percent CO savings over the entire lifecycle when compared to traditional aviation fuel. One of the key advantages is that SAF can be used as a standard fuel without modifications to an aircraft's structure or systems.
SAF, often referred to as "drop-in" SAF, is a blend of kerosene and technically modified feedstock such as used cooking oil, sawdust, or municipal solid waste. Regulators have approved that conventional "JET A1" can be fully replaced or combined with "drop-in" SAF inside any commercial aircraft fuel tanks.
Airbus's SAF Initiatives
Airbus Production Flights are now using SAF as part of serial production aircraft test procedures. In fact, Airbus and Volotea have started using a 34% 'drop-in' SAF blend for a regional jet from Airbus Hamburg-Finkenwerde Airport to Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, reducing GHG emissions by upwards of 80%.
The use of 100% SAF has been tested on the A350 (ECLIF) and the A320 (VOLCAN) for in-flight emissions testing. In July 2025, Airbus successfully completed its first long-haul test flight on an A350 aircraft powered by 100% unblended SAF — a significant milestone indicating readiness for full SAF operations in commercial flights.
The Future of SAF at Airbus
By the end of this decade, all Airbus manufacturing sites calling on the logistic services of ATI could be supplied with SAF. Freighter aircraft models can currently operate with a 50% SAF blend, with a goal to achieve "100% drop-in SAF" capability by 2030.
Airbus is also collaborating with major partners, such as Air France, Safran, and Total, to accelerate the development of a sustainable domestic biofuel industry in France. This collaboration aims to integrate environmental, technical, and economic efforts for scaling SAF supply chains.
While the company’s manufacturing sites' specific SAF usage onsite is not detailed in the search results, Airbus's operational plans clearly emphasize SAF for flight operations and emissions reduction across its aircraft production and service lifecycle as part of its broader sustainability strategy.
In summary, Airbus is at the forefront of pioneering SAF use in commercial flights, expanding from demonstration flights to full SAF flights while targeting 100% SAF capability for all aircraft by 2030, supported by collaborations to grow sustainable fuel supply in Europe.
- The use of renewable energy, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), is a key focus for Airbus in their commitment to sustainable aerospace.
- The adaptation of SAF in Airbus's manufacturing facilities can contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with a blend of 100% SAF being tested in A350 and A320 aircraft.
- Collaboration between Airbus and major partners like Air France, Safran, and Total is instrumental in accelerating the development of a sustainable domestic biofuel industry, aimed at integrating environmental, technical, and economic efforts for scaling SAF supply chains.
