Russia prepares "green" fuel for aircraft

As part of the partnership, experts from the two companies will develop an economic and resource model for the entire supply chain, from sourcing raw materials and producing biofuel to directly fueling aircraft, TASS reports.

The agreement provides for the development of a roadmap for a gradual transition to sustainable fuel, including test fueling at foreign airports and its subsequent regular use on international routes.

“Our team has already developed Russia’s first low-carbon aviation fuel, and the key priority now is to establish a fully-fledged market, which will require all companies in the industry to join forces,” said Levan Kadagidze, Director of the Commercial Division at Gazprom Neft.

Aeroflot representative Viktor Kuzmin stressed that the transition to new fuels is a long-term process for which airlines need to prepare in advance in order to align its implementation with their flight networks.

Under a decision by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the use of SAF will become mandatory for international flights starting in 2027.

Sustainable aviation fuel can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent compared with conventional jet fuel.

At the same time, Russia is working to establish a national biofuel certification system that would serve as an alternative to Western certification bodies.