AEGEAN Takes Major Step Towards Sustainable Aviation

Greece’s national carrier AEGEAN on Thursday made its first delivery flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with its brand new A321neo.

The aircraft is the fourth of the larger version of the A320neo family out of total 46 aircraft under the company’s existing agreement with Airbus.

The new aircraft flew to Greece, without passengers, using a blend of sustainable and conventional aviation fuels.

“Today’s first delivery flight with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a significant symbolic milestone for AEGEAN and an important step towards sustainability in Greece,” AEGEAN CEO Dimitris Gerogiannis said.

It is noted that AEGEAN has consistently continued deliveries of new aircraft since early 2020 under the existing delivery plan for 46 new Airbus A320neo aircraft. This commitment is considered, not only a large investment, the largest in terms of fleet in Greece, but also a significant step toward lowering the impact on the environment.

“Although we are still working our way through a major pandemic crisis, we retain our focus on the new era for AEGEAN as well as sustainable air transport, while continuing our efforts with the fleet renewal plan as well as the use of innovation,” Gerogiannis added.

The new aircraft, even with the use of conventional fuels have a 19 to 23 percent lower CO2 footprint per seat compared to the previous generation aircraft and up to 53 percent lower CO2 footprint per seat compared to the aircraft operated by the airline 20 years ago.