AEGEAN Begins Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel on Flights from Athens Airport

Photo source: AEGEAN

Greek carrier AEGEAN can now power its flights departing from Athens International Airport (AIA) with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), in partnership with Hellenic Petroleum, one of the leading energy groups in South East Europe.

The development comes after the delivery of the airport’s “hydrant” fueling supply system with SAF, provided by Hellenic Petroleum subsidiary EKO.

AEGEAN in July began operating flights from Thessaloniki’s Makedonia airport with SAF.

“We are very pleased that just one month after our agreement with Hellenic Petroleum to lead the sustainable aviation fuel program in Greece, we are now able to power our fleet with SAF from Athens International Airport as well,” AEGEAN Chairman Efthichios Vassilakis said.

AEGEAN aircraft at Athens International Airport. Photo source: AEGEAN

AEGEAN’s SAF program makes it the only carrier in Greece, and one of the few in Europe, to operate part of its domestic and international network using a SAF blend.

“This is a result of a joint effort, showcasing that the only way to achieve the goal for green and sustainable aviation is through cooperation, quick decision making and practical, innovative solutions. Even if such solutions is a first, small step in an ongoing effort that should be continued and intensified as we move forward to climate change,” he added.

On his part, AIA CEO Yiannis Paraschis said that the first SAF supply of Athens airport, which has already achieved carbon neutrality in its premises, marks another important step in its overall pledge to address environmental challenges.

The biggest airport in Greece, Athens International Airport is reducing its carbon footprint and strengthening its position amongst Europe’s greenest airports.

Paraschis added that the SAF supply demonstrates AIA’s commitment for sustainable aviation in Greece.

“We remain focused on continuing our efforts to tackle the climate crisis,” he said.

The SAF blend being used at AIA is produced by NESTE from 100 percent renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste, that reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent compared to fossil jet fuel, throughout their life cycle.

Giorgos Govatzidakis, Sustainability Manager, Aegean Airlines; Liana Gouta, Director of Energy Policy and International Relations, Hellenic Petroleum Group; and Giorgos Tzavaras, Director, Aviation Unit, Athens International Airport. Photo source: Hellenic Petroleum Group

According to Hellenic Petroleum CEO Andreas Shiamishis, Greece is now positioned in the map of green aviation being represented twice in the list of only 9 European airports that SAF fuels are available.

“We express the will to be present in this new era, acknowledging that the challenges of the energy crisis are in fact accelerating developments in the EU for the energy transition and the shift to cleaner forms of energy,” Shiamishis said.