Kenya Airways Uses Locally Made Biojet Fuel for Green Investment

Kenya Airways recently conducted a landmark test flight using locally produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. On a Friday, an Embraer E190 E2 jet completed a two-hour flight over the Nairobi National Park area, signifying a key step towards sustainable air travel in the region.

This initiative positions Kenya Airways as a leader in adopting green energy solutions within Africa’s aviation sector. The airline’s objective is to utilize SAF to attract “green tourists” and substantially decrease its carbon footprint. This test flight is part of a broader government strategy to promote Kenya as a frontrunner in climate change mitigation and clean energy, aligning with national aspirations for a green economy transition.

The sustainable aviation fuel used was derived from biomass, developed through a collaborative effort involving several key partners. These partners include Boeing, Safaricom, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), KenGen, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Kenya Forest Service, and Bamburi Cement. Such collaborations highlight a shared commitment to establishing a robust SAF industry within Kenya.

The event underscored the capacity of SAF to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent compared to traditional jet fuel. This aligns with Kenya’s national goal to cut carbon emissions by 32 percent by 2030 and supports the global aviation industry’s ambition for 100 percent SAF-powered commercial flights by 2030, alongside a 2050 target for net-zero emissions. Through investment in renewable energy and sustainable practices, Kenya aims to contribute to global climate objectives and fulfill its commitments under the 2063 Agenda. The successful test flight is viewed as a critical step toward the commercialization of sustainable aviation fuel in Kenya.

### Key Points

* Embraer E190 E2 jet (specific model used for flight)
* Two-hour flight duration
* Potential to reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent with SAF
* Kenya’s target to reduce carbon emissions by 32 percent by 2030
* Global aviation industry aspiration for 100 percent SAF-powered commercial flights by 2030
* Global aviation industry 2050 target of net-zero emissions
* 2063 Agenda (a specific year-based framework)

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