Ryanair Sustainable Aviation Research Center
Ryanair and Trinity College Dublin Sustainable Aviation Research Center
We have partnered with Trinity College Dublin to implement a number of innovative actions aimed at accelerating the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By appointing top researchers, we will achieve our goal of powering 12.5% of our flights with SAF by 2030.
What is FAS and where does it come from?
SAF avoids the generation of new carbon emissions from fossil fuels and minimizes global warming.
Rather than being refined from petroleum, SAF is produced from sustainable sources such as waste oils (of biological origin), agricultural residues or non-fossil CO2. SAFs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by
up to 80%.
SAF can be blended with fossil jet fuel and requires no special infrastructure or equipment modifications.
Once blended, this fuel can be fully certified and have the same specifications as that of fossil jet fuel.
Therefore, it is essential that we understand which SAFs will truly reduce carbon emissions. Only
so can we have an effective regulatory framework that ensures SAF production does not erode
or impede the use of dedicated cropland needed for food production.
Aviation is not the only industry that will want to introduce more sustainable fuels. We need to think outside the box and stay inventive to keep costs low, reduce competition for SAFs, and ensure we go with a fuel that can clearly demonstrate significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. SAF is a very useful way to reduce carbon emissions, we just want to make sure it’s as safe and sustainable as possible.
