• Kenya Airways began a series of SAF-powered flights on October 14, using 2% locally produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

• The airline plans to raise the SAF blend to 10% by 2030, aligning with its carbon neutrality goals.

• Africa currently counts only five SAF projects, with a projected production capacity of 0.6 million tonnes by 2030.

Kenya Airways is expanding its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) program as part of a strategy to reduce its carbon footprint and establish Kenya as a leading hub for green aviation in Africa.

According to Bloomberg, the airline launched on October 14 a series of four round-trip flights using a blend containing 2% SAF produced in Kenya. The first flight connected Nairobi and Paris, followed by routes to Amsterdam, London, and Cape Town. The airline expects to complete the series by October 21.

Kenya Airways plans to progressively increase SAF usage to 10% by 2030, reinforcing its position as one of the frontrunners in Africa’s aviation energy transition. The carrier previously operated its first long-haul flight using SAF in 2023, sourcing the blend from Italy’s Eni SpA.

The company said the new initiative supports the global aviation industry’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and aims to promote energy self-sufficiency among African airlines.

Kenya Airways’ initiative also highlights the structural challenges facing the SAF industry in Africa. Only five projects are currently under development across the continent, with a combined projected production capacity of 0.6 million tonnes by 2030.

While Africa has abundant biomass and feedstock potential, a World Bank study stresses that efficient supply chain management remains crucial to ensuring consistent production and competitive pricing.

The report “Fueling Africa’s Flight: A Techno-Economic Assessment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Africa” notes that coordinated government support, international partnerships, and targeted investment in infrastructure and technology could enable Africa to emerge as a key player in the global SAF market.

This article was initially published in French by Henoc Dossa

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum