Tui’s first Boeing 737 MAX 8 delivery flight using bio jet fuel was made today.
The flight from the Boeing plant in Seattle to Stockholm was performed with 30% blend biofuel.
This was one of the most carbon-efficient flights ever accomplished by this aircraft type, according to the company.
The 737 MAX 8 was the second delivery of this aircraft to the European travel group – this time to Tui Nordic – following an aircraft received by Tui Belgium in Brussels.
Both aircraft are the initial deliveries of a large fleet renewal at Tui Airlines with a total 72 aircraft and to be completed by 2023.
Boeing environmental strategy director Sean Newsum said: “Biofuel represents a significant opportunity for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint and achieving its environmental goals.
“Our collaboration with Tui in 2015 on the Boeing ecoDemonstrator Program included testing of biofuel, and this 737 MAX delivery flight is a further demonstration of Tui’s interest in bringing price competitive biofuel to market.”
Tui Nordic managing director Alex Huber said: “We are committed to collaborating on projects and partnerships that help scale up sustainable aviation fuels.
“Seeing the Nordic countries are at the forefront of sustainable development, it is very fitting that our very first MAX flight on bio jet fuel touched ground here.”
A total of nine 737 MAX 8s will be delivered to Tui Group airlines by the end of the year. The aircraft will be operated from Belgium, Sweden, the UK and the Netherlands.
The first 737 8 MAX for Tui fly Germany is scheduled to be delivered in early 2019.