Emirates, ENOC to partner to explore Sustainable Aviation Fuel supply in Dubai

Emirates and ENOC Group have announced a new partnership to explore and develop joint initiatives for the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to Emirates at its Dubai hub.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on studying and assessing the feasibility of SAF supply opportunities in Dubai, including supply chain infrastructure, production capabilities and commercial viability.

As a safe and fully certified drop-in fuel compatible with existing aircraft fleet and airport infrastructure, SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel at a ratio of up to 50 per cent, creating an aviation fuel that is significantly lower in lifecycle carbon emissions. In its neat form, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel.

Emirates has previously shown its focus towards transitioning to the sustainable fuel. It opened a Boeing 777 flight using 100 per cent of SAF in January 2023, conducting the first A380 demonstration flight using 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel in one of its four engines later that year in November. 

That same month, Emirates operated flights with sustainable aviation fuel from Dubai International Airport using 315,000 gallons of blended SAF integrated into the airport’s fuel infrastructure. 

The collaboration aims to explore pathways for developing economically attainable fuel production and infrastructure in Dubai, with ENOC evaluating its potential contribution to local production, with a joint steering committee guiding the assessments. 

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025 by Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer and Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of ENOC Group.

Speaking to The Business Breakfast show on Dubai Eye 103.8, Al Redha highlighted the significance of the MoU: 

Lootah also clarified the deal's capabilities in supporting the UAE's goals on "supplying 1 per cent of jet fuel to national airlines from locally produced SAF by 2031, " stating that the cooperation will help reach that goal in an easier manner.

"ENOC will continue to invest in innovation, strengthen partnerships, and explore practical pathways to build reliable SAF supply chains that support the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 ambition," says Lootah.