LATAM makes first international flight using SAF

In Spain, The LATAM group has made its first international flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The flight was made by LATAM Cargo Chile from Zaragoza Airport, Spain, to North America and responds to the group’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050.

In this case, 30,000 liters of co-processed SAF made from used cooking oil were used, the other proportion being traditional jet fuel.

For this particular flight, the SAF fuel used is internationally certified through the ISCC EU (International Sustainability Carbon Certification) procedures, which ensure its sustainability. It was also provided by Air bp, one of the world’s leading suppliers of aviation fuel, and represents the first production of SAF ISCC EU carried out in Spain at the Castellón refinery. With this milestone, the LATAM group becomes the first group of airlines to stock up on Air bp SAF at Zaragoza Airport, Spain, a result that was possible thanks to the collaborative work of LATAM and Airbp, together with partners such as AENA and Exolum who also contributed to the realization of this flight.

Up to 5% sustainable raw material is currently allowed within the co-processing of this SAF, which is credited with saving around 80% of carbon emissions throughout its life cycle, compared to fuel of conventional aviation that it replaces.