Lufthansa Group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with energy firm Shell to receive supplies of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) between 2024 and 2030.
The arrangement will see the European aviation group taking delivery of up to 1.8 million metric tonnes of SAF from Shell over the seven-year period.
Lufthansa said it was already the largest purchaser of SAF in Europe and the deal will also help Shell in its “ambition” to supply at least 10 per cent of its aviation fuel as SAF by 2030.
Katja Kleffmann, head of fuel management supply at Lufthansa Group, said: “We are happy to enhance our longstanding global business with Shell by signing this MoU.
“As an industry, we have to work jointly towards making flying more sustainable and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Shell is very experienced with the global handling of jet fuel and that is one key element for our trust for smooth operations of sustainable aviation fuel too.”
European airlines have been busy signing deals to receive SAF during the past few months, including IAG-owned sister carriers British Airways and Aer Lingus, as well as UK long-haul specialist Virgin Atlantic.
Lufthansa Group said that it had been “involved in SAF research for many years” and already had “an extensive network of partnerships” in place that would help to develop the “next generation” of aviation fuels.
The group, which also includes Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Swiss, said that its customers can already fly carbon neutral, as well as documenting their reduced emissions through audited certificates.
Lufthansa Group added that it is aiming to halve its net carbon emissions by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, and to achieve net zero by 2050.