Ethiopian is in a position to achieve the commitment set by
ICAO to fly net zero emission by 2050, it was indicated.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Board Chairman, Girma Wake said
that theAirlines is adopting modern practices by following changing
circumstances of the aviation industry.
Accordingly, a study has been completed to locally produce
air pollution free aviation fuel, he said.
Girma added that consultation with the government and the
private sector with a view to taking practical action is underway.
The Boeing Company, Airbus and IATA are providing support to
us, he said.
"The study was completed and we want to expand it with
relevant government and private stakeholders. The aircrafts that have come out
lately are using it, which means it's definitely something that can be
distributed around the world.
In Ethiopia, there are many things that can be used for that
production. It's a matter of producing at the factory level. We want
individuals, government organizations, and us to come together and let Ethiopia
get there first, without being left behind. Hopefully, we'll be there before
2050. The government is working on it. Boeing is helping us, Airbus is helping
us, and so we believe we will get there."
Ethiopian Airlines Group, CEO Mesfin Tassew on his part
stated that activities have been initiated to produce air pollution-free fuel
in the country.
The airline is working closely with fuel supply companies
and technology institutions.
"ICAO recently issued a plan that states that the
aviation industry must be carbon neutral by 2050. Ethiopian Airlines should
also fulfill that target. We are also discussing on how to start and grow this
sustainable aviation fuel (SAF0 at Boeing aircraft. This SAF must be produced
in a special way; the input is agricultural products. We need factories that
will allow us to convert it into jet fuel, so we are talking with fuel
suppliers and companies that have the technology, and we will find a way to
produce this fuel in Ethiopia."
Air pollution-free aviation fuel is produced from feed
by-products and avoids carbon emissions throughout the life cycle.
Air pollution-free aviation fuel derived from various
by-products is called Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).