Air Greenland Signs Historic SAF Agreement with DCC and Shell Aviation

As of today, Air Greenland flights servicing the route between Søndre Strømfjord/Kangerlussuaq and Copenhagen Airport will use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This is the result of a new SAF supply agreement between Air Greenland, DCC & Shell Aviation Denmark.

“We want to support the goal of Greenland becoming a sustainable destination by reducing fuel consumption and thus our CO₂ emissions. With the replacement of our Atlantic aircraft for an A330-800 neo, we took another important step in the green transition of aviation in December. Now, we also commit to using up to five per cent of SAF on our flights to and from Copenhagen. The combined impact of the SAF and our new aircraft fleet will reduce our CO₂ emissions. I am proud that, owing to this agreement, Air Greenland will be among the leading airlines in Europe’s green transition,” says Jacob Nitter Sørensen, CEO of Air Greenland.

The agreement with DCC & Shell Aviation Denmark means that SAF will constitute approximately 5 percent of fuel consumption along the route to and from Copenhagen in 2023, currently higher than any other flight route in Denmark. With this development, Air Greenland is introducing SAF into its flight operations ahead of the forthcoming European Union mandates, at a higher level than they will initially require, on a voluntary basis.

Ulrik V. Brendstrup, CEO of DCC and Shell Aviation Denmark, adds: "In light of the fact that the EU is discussing a SAF mandate starting at two percent in 2025, it is a really big step that we are now taking with Air Greenland. This is in fact a remarkable initiative, also from a broader international perspective. It is by far the largest SAF supply agreement, in terms of fuel proportions, that we have ever signed," he says.

Ashleigh McDougall, general manager, Shell Aviation Europe and Africa commented: “It’s fantastic to see Air Greenland getting ahead of the game on SAF and already voluntarily committing to proportions of SAF beyond those set to be required from 2025. Air Greenland and Shell both recognize that SAF will be the key lever to decarbonize flight by 2050 and through this agreement we’re helping to make Greenland a more sustainable travel destination. I’m very pleased with the role Shell has played as a partner trusted to deliver on SAF”.

Fabian Ziegler, CEO DCC Energy, said: “This is the latest example of DCC Energy bringing our customers novel decarbonization solutions. It builds on our other “firsts” in the Danish aviation market over the last couple of years. We are also showcasing our partnership approach – in this case with Shell. Expect to see more and more of DCC linking future-focused partners with our customers like Air Greenland.”

In its neat form, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fuel.