International Airlines Group (IAG), a global aviation giant encompassing Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Vueling, has made a bold stride towards a greener future. The company today announced a groundbreaking ten-year purchase agreement with Infinium, a leading producer of electrofuels (eFuels), securing a substantial supply of e-SAF (e-Sustainable Aviation Fuel) starting in 2026.
This landmark deal signifies a major leap forward in the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. Infinium’s e-SAF, manufactured at its state-of-the-art Project Roadrunner facility in West Texas, boasts a remarkable 90% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional jet fuel. Produced using water, waste CO2, and renewable energy, this innovative fuel offers a sustainable alternative without compromising performance. Importantly, it’s a ‘drop-in’ replacement, requiring no modifications to existing aircraft engines.
The agreement ensures a steady supply of e-SAF to power IAG’s extensive network, enabling the group to significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Considering IAG airlines consumed approximately 12% of the world’s SAF supply in 2023 (based on IATA figures), this partnership highlights the scale and ambition of their sustainability goals. This partnership, alongside IAG’s investments in new aircraft, fuel efficiency initiatives, and carbon removal projects, demonstrates a comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility.
Jonathon Counsell, IAG’s Group Sustainability Officer, emphasized the importance of this agreement in achieving IAG’s ambitious 10% SAF target by 2030. He stressed the need for supportive policies that incentivize the development of SAF, rather than imposing measures that hinder the competitiveness of the European aviation industry. Mr. Counsell highlighted the crucial need for additional policy support to attract investment and accelerate the construction of SAF plants.
Robert Schuetzle, Infinium’s CEO, expressed pride in IAG’s choice of Infinium as a partner in their sustainability journey. He emphasized that long-term, secure commitments are vital for scaling up e-SAF production, a critical step for both the airline industry and the wider adoption of eFuels as a viable alternative to fossil fuels and previous generations of SAF. Infinium’s Project Roadrunner, backed by significant funding from Brookfield Asset Management and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, is poised to become the world’s largest e-SAF producer upon completion.
This collaboration between IAG and Infinium serves as a powerful example of how industry leadership and innovative technology can work hand-in-hand to address the urgent climate challenge. It signals a significant shift towards a more sustainable future for air travel, benefiting both the environment and the long-term viability of the aviation industry. The success of this partnership will undoubtedly inspire further investment and innovation in the burgeoning field of sustainable aviation fuels.
