Etihad Airways explores use of synthetic fuel on future flights

Etihad Airways explores use of synthetic fuel on future flights

Etihad Airways is exploring the potential use of synthetic fuel - hydrogen mixed with carbon - on flights, according to the airline's head of sustainability and business excellence.

Mariam al-Qubaisi said the UAE flag carrier is working with Siemens Energy, Abu Dhabi-based clean energy firm Masdar and Japan's Marubeni Corporation to explore the production of synthetic fuel (SAF) as part of a wider strategy to use sustainable aviation fuel.

"In an effort to explore other sources of SAF feedstock in the UAE, Etihad is embarking upon a project with Masdar, Marubeni, Siemens Energy and a number of industrial partners to explore the potential of producing synthetic kerosene from green hydrogen," Qubaisi said in an interview with S&P Global Platts.

Etihad Airways takes measures to reduce 148,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2018, equivalent to 1,236 flights between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona

"We really hope that it will be one of the many options we can use for de-carbonisation," she added.

In January, Mubadala and Siemens Energy signed a deal to create a strategic partnership to drive investment and development of advanced technology, manufacture of equipment, and green hydrogen and synthetic fuel production.

The initial focus of activity will be in Abu Dhabi and it is intended