Toulouse – December 4, 2023 – The initiative provides for a blend of 30% SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) to be used for one out of five deliveries of new ATR aircraft to NAC, resulting in four tonnes of CO2 saved for every batch of five aircraft. This is equivalent to a 6% SAF blend on the first leg of each ferry flight from 2023 onwards.

AirSwift is the first airline to benefit from the programme, with a new ATR 72-600 from the NAC Skyline, which departed from Toulouse to the Philippines on 27 November 2023. AirSwift will use this aircraft to service its hub in El Nido on the island of Palawan.

The ATR 72-600 is the lowest emission regional aircraft on the market thanks to the high efficiency of the turboprop technology and ATR’s continuous commitment to further reducing CO2 emissions and operating costs. The ATR 72-600 boasts a remarkable 45% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to similar-size regional jets. Already certified to fly with a 50% SAF blend, ATR is committed to achieving the 100% SAF readiness of its aircraft family by 2025.

The SAF is produced by TotalEnergies in its French facilities and made from waste and residues such as used cooking oils or animal fats. It is then blended with conventional Jet A-1 at a rate of 30%. Neat SAF could help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to its fossil equivalent on its entire lifecycle.

Release and photo ATR