London Stansted airport-based Titan Airways has operated its first SAF flight, carrying a delegation from the G20 in Rome to COP26 in Glasgow on one of its new Airbus A321neoLR aircraft.

The SAF was sourced from Air bp and is made from sustainable feedstocks and used cooking oil. The use of the 35 per cent SAF blend reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by 28 per cent.

The operator is also working with its freight forwarder customer Geodis to offer a SAF 'insetting' solution on its transcontinental Airbus A330-300P2F all-cargo flights. Customers can 'book and claim' SAF to cover the CO2 emitted through the transport of their shipment.

“Our ongoing investment in the latest technology passenger and freighter aircraft, such as the A321neos, will enable us to reduce emissions by up to 30 per cent compared to the aircraft they will replace," comments Titan managing director Alastair Willson. “Once SAF is more widely available, we will be able to further reduce emissions from our operations and play our part in meeting UK aviation's net zero emission targets. I am delighted that our customers and suppliers share our desire to offer solutions to reduce the impact of flight operations on the environment.”

Over the last 18 months, Titan Airways has added two Airbus A321P2F aircraft as well two A321neos and an A330-300P2F to its fleet. It is also working with Air bp and other providers to offer its customers the ability to book SAF to reduce the impact on the environment of transporting passengers and cargo on chartered flights.