UK aviation business Centreline has partnered with Air bp to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from its FBO at Bristol airport. As the first non-network user and independent retailer of SAF in the UK, Centreline, a Pula Aviation Services Limited (PASL) business, has invested in the infrastructure to supply SAF as part of PASL’s commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its operations with a target of becoming carbon neutral by 2025.

The fuel is blended with traditional Jet A1, meaning there are no differences in aircraft ground handling requirements or fuel efficiency for the aircraft it is supplied to. The fuel’s journey to Bristol is also ensured by Air bp to be carbon offset. The SAF will reduce aircraft lifecycle carbon emissions by around 80 per cent compared to the traditional jet fuel it replaces.

PASL CEO and Centreline accountable manager Gus Paterson says: “Our partnership with Air bp is a sustainable step forward for the PASL group as we remain committed to playing our part in reducing the impact aviation has on global carbon emissions. By offering our charter clients a SAF option, we are making progress in being a carbon negative in air operation by 2025, as well as providing our FBO clients with the opportunity to make sustainable choices when refuelling in Bristol.”

With aviation currently accounting for two to three per cent of manmade global carbon emissions, Air bp was the first fuel supplier to have into-plane fuelling operations certified as carbon neutral and was involved in fuelling the first SAF flight by an airline in February 2008.

Air bp's long-established supply chain has delivered SAF to 18 locations over three continents, and the lifecycle carbon emission savings are calculated to the point fuel is delivered to onsite airport storage facilities.

Air bp sustainability manager David Mosley says: “Achieving a low carbon future for aviation is a challenge we embrace wholeheartedly. We are delighted to support Centreline in supplying sustainable aviation fuel to its customers as it works towards reducing its emissions.”

FBO manager Richard Morrison adds: “We are pleased to now offer SAF for retail at Centreline. As SAF is blended with fossil jet fuel and does not require special equipment changes, it is a clean substitute that reduces the impact of air travel. With the same characteristics and specifications as fossil jet fuel, we are pleased to offer an efficient lower carbon alternative to our customers.”