Ryanair is aiming to power a third of its flights from Amsterdam Schiphol airport with a 40% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend.
The no-frills carrier claims the blend will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 60% via a partnership with SAF suppler Neste.
The initiative came as Cathay Pacific and Etihad Airways also unveiled efforts to combat climate change.
Ryanair sustainability director Thomas Fowler said: “SAF is a cornerstone of our pathway to net zero by 2050 decarbonisation strategy and this new blend will power a third of Ryanair flights at Amsterdam airport Schiphol while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 60%.
“We look forward to growing our partnership with Neste as we work toward achieving our goal of operating 12.5% of Ryanair flights with SAF by 2030.”
Neste vice president Europe, renewable aviation, Jonathan Wood, said: “SAF is a key element in achieving aviation’s emission reduction goals.
“The aviation sector is now at a tipping point as demand increases, and policy proposals are on the table in the EU and UK to promote demand and supply of SAF.
“It is great to see Ryanair as the first short-haul carrier take our SAF at Amsterdam airport Schiphol and we look forward to our joint journey towards a more sustainable future.”
Meanwhile, corporate customers are being given the opportunity to cut their carbon footprint from business travel by contributing to the use of SAF on Cathay Pacific flights for the first time from Hong Kong International airport.
Eight corporates have been signed up as launch customers in a bid to reduce the climate impact from their business travel or airfreight activities by helping to facilitate the wider adoption of renewable energy through the use of SAF.
The Hong Kong-based carrier’s chief executive Augustus Tang said: “We continue to pioneer our industry’s move towards more substantial use of SAF, especially in Asia.
“Last year, we were among the first carriers in the world to announce a target of 10% SAF for our total fuel use by 2030. We have made significant progress since then and are pleased that uplifting SAF from Hong Kong International airport is now a reality with the strong support of the local authorities and fuel suppliers.
“In addition to our launch corporate customers, we have received a very enthusiastic response from other corporates and we welcome other interested companies to sign-up to reduce their indirect emissions from flight-related activities. Climate change is a global challenge and we need to work together to tackle it.”
The development came as UAE carrier Etihad Airways started a week of intensive research on more than 30 flights to test operational efficiencies, technology and procedures that will reduce carbon emissions.
More than 20 commercial flights operating across the airline’s network are included to coincide with Earth Day on Friday (April 22).