Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline; and Shell, the energy company, announced a memo of understanding for the purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at over 200 Ryanair airports across Europe, with particular focus on SAF supply at the carrier’s largest bases like Dublin and London Stansted.

The agreement gives the airline potential access to 120 million gallons of SAF between 2025 and 2030, saving approximately 900,000 tons in CO2 emissions (equivalent to over 70,000 flights from Dublin to Milan).

Thomas Fowler, sustainability director for Ryanair, said SAF plays a key role in the carrier’s net zero strategy and its commitment to a target of 12.5% SAF by 2030.

Jan Toschka, president of Shell Aviation, said the agreement demonstrates that both companies recognize that SAF is “the key to unlock a net zero future for aviation.” He said the two companies share the same ambition — to enable Ryanair’s passengers to fly with lower carbon emissions. “Leadership and bold actions are needed to accelerate the decarbonization of flight,” said Toschka, “and today’s announcement is a great example of this.”

Image: Ryanair B737-800/Courtesy of Ryanair