Summary
- Royal Air Maroc successfully operated the primary carbon-neutral flight between two African countries, using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
- The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner used on the flight was at maximum capability with 302 passengers and utilized 40% SAF, avoiding 23 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
- Royal Air Maroc is committed to decarbonizing air transport in Morocco and goals to realize net-zero emissions by 20250, starting with the incorporation of 10% SAF on flights by 2030.
The national carrier of Morocco, Royal Air Maroc (RAM), in partnership with oil and gas specialist Afriquia SMDC, successfully operated the primary carbon-neutral flight between two African countries. The flight, powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), coincided with the continued United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP28.
Royal Air Maroc’s SAF-powered flight
Royal Air Maroc’s first SAF-powered flight was operated on December 9 between Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with GEnx engines. In keeping with data from Flightradar24, flight AT505 departed CMN at 14:23 and flew for about three hours before landing at DSS at 16:30 local time.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Easy Flying
The 787 deployed on the flight (registration CN-RGZ) was at maximum capability, with 302 passengers onboard. It was powered by 40% of SAF and 60% of conventional jet fuel. CN-RGZ used nearly 9 tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, avoiding about 23 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Royal Air Maroc will offset emissions from the jet fuel used as a part of the voluntary offset program led by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection.
Decarbonizing air transport in Morocco
While other African carriers like Kenya Airways have pioneered using SAF on international operations, RAM’s flight AT505 was the primary carbon-neutral intra-continental flight in Africa. This historical service highlights the corporate’s commitment to accelerating decarbonization in Morocco’s air transport market. Royal Air Maroc President and CEO Hamid Addou said,
“We’re proud to launch the primary flight with sustainable aviation fuel between two African countries. This operation is a component of our efforts to contribute to the event of research and experiments carried out by industry, researchers, and specialists in an effort to significantly reduce the carbon impact within the aviation sector.”
As the worldwide aviation sector moves towards achieving carbon neutrality, the Moroccan flag carrier has committed to achieving net-zero by 20250, with step one being the incorporation of 10% SAF from 2030. As certainly one of Africa’s largest airlines, RAM goals to and champion the broader use of SAF on the continent.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Easy Flying
In keeping with Maghreb Arabe Presse, the kind of SAF used on the CMN-DSS flight doesn’t require any modifications to the aircraft’s engines. It’s manufactured from used vegetable oils and offers CO2 emission reductions of as much as 90% over all the life cycle in comparison with fossil fuels. Speaking concerning the partnership with the national company, Afriquia SMDC General Director Said Elbaghdadi noted,
“We’re honored to be a partner of Royal Air Maroc and to support it in carrying out this historic flight which is a brand new stone in favor of promoting the consumption of sustainable fuels in our country; which is crucial to realize the decarbonization of the air transport. As a part of its proactive environmental strategy, Afriquia SMDC is resolutely committed to exploring all possible solutions to make sure the combination of the long-term sustainability objectives of air transport in Morocco.”
SAF Production In Africa: The Opportunities And Risks Of An Emerging Market
Africa has great potential to provide Sustainable Aviation Fuels but in addition has a lot of challenges.
Commitment to sustainability
Royal Air Maroc stays committed to environmental sustainability and has launched several programs to cut back its carbon footprint and fuel consumption. This includes renewing its fleet with modern and more fuel-efficient aircraft, which can reduce its carbon footprint by as much as 25%. The airline recently added two more Boeing 787s to its orders.
Photo: Boeing
RAM has also implemented various measures to cut back energy consumption by reducing weight on its aircraft during flights, optimizing flight plans, and enhancing maintenance procedures to make sure environmentally friendly operations. These measures are a part of its Fuel Efficiency Program (FEP) and have helped the carrier cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by not less than 10%.
The oneworld member has gained recognition for its strides in promoting sustainable development. Through one other energy-efficient project on RAM buildings, the corporate obtained Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. It also obtained the IATA Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) certification earlier this 12 months, highlighting its ongoing commitment to environmental management.
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