Kenya Airways completes first-ever sustainable long-haul flight

Kenya Airways has become the first ever African airline to complete a long-haul flight from Africa to Europe using sustainable fuel.

Sustainable air travel

It’s big news for Africa, as one African airline has become the first in Africa to complete a sustainable long-haul flight.

Taking part in the Sustainable Flight Challenge, Kenya Airways has become the first carrier in Africa to operate a highly sustainable commercial long-haul flight using Eni’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), reports Airspace Africa.

ALSO READ: Six top tips to transform your long-haul flight experience

The landmark flight, which was part of the second edition of the Sustainable Flight Challenge (TSFC) organized by SkyTeam, is a massive achievement for the African aviation industry and the country of Kenya.

The groundbreaking Kenya Airways flight recently departed Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and made its way to Amsterdam Schiphol.

The Boeing 787-800 Dreamliner was fueled by a unique blend of JetA1 fuel and Eni Sustainable Mobility’s sustainable aviation fuel.

ALSO READ: SAA hopes to restart long-haul flights from Cape Town soon

How was it done?

To achieve the highest level of sustainability, the airline incorporated various initiatives throughout the flight, which included considerate measures for guests’ travel, route planning, onboard meals, packaging and transportation, says Airspace Africa.

ALSO READ: Johannesburg to Hong Kong: Cathay Pacific to fly once more

Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways, Allan Kilavuka, said that he was proud to be leading Africa’s aviation industry towards a greener future.

“As we reconnect and rediscover our world, we are committed to living our purpose – for our people and planet,” Kilavuka said, as per reports.

“We are focusing on decarbonizing the aerospace industry by adopting fleet types with reduced carbon emissions, optimizing fuel consumption through efficient routing, managing waste through recycling, and harnessing alternative energy sources such as solar power and sustainable aviation fuel,” he added.

ALSO READ: SAA and Kenya Airways form promising partnership

Read more about the Sustainable Flight Challenge and who has taken part in it here.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY SUNDEEKA MUNGROO