Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and Amaala, announced for the first time to bring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to the kingdom.
In order to make aviation sustainable, SAF and Lower Carbon Aviation fuel (LCAF) are two fuels specifically developed to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gas life cycles associated with aviation. SAF can be made of clean hydrogen and imprisoned carbon dioxide, or renewable or waste-derived aviation fuels. RSG and DAA International, the operator of the Red Sea International Airport (RSI), concluded the agreement with the fuel supplier of the airport, Arabian Petroleum Supply Company (APSCO). Airline working at RSI now has the option to supplement SAF.
Current international standards and recommendations issued by relevant organizations such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF must be mixed with standard Jet A1 Aviation Fuel. RSI’s SAF offer is mixed with 35% SAF and 65% standard Jet A1, which in turn reduces the produced carbon emissions due to each aircraft using this fuel by up to 35%
‘Travel is a way to bridge cultures, broaden horizons and regain the spirit, body and soul. But travel costs a cost, especially for our planet. Therefore, we promised to transform the industry and move to a sustainable, regenerative future. By bringing sustainable aviation fuel into the kingdom, we dramatically reduce our guests’ personal carbon footprint from the moment they arrive and even after leaving.
“More than that, we support the broader aviation sector to make choices that are better for the environment,” says John Pagano, group CEO of Red Sea Global.
As part of his ambition to just reach Zero, RSG’s subsidiary air operator, Fly Red Sea, which offers the transfer of sea-level, charter and scenic tour services on its destinations, will fill its fleet exclusively with fuel that ensures that aviation is sustainable, such as SAF and LCAF.
It complements RSG’s other solutions to reduce carbon emissions, namely the commitment to the adoption of all operations of sunlight. In reality RSG has already deployed More than 400 MWP solar panels in the Red Sea, which will avoid up to 600,000 TCO2EQ per year if it is fully operational. In addition, RSG aims to increase, repair and improve the density of mangroves by 2030 by 2030 by protecting, repairing and improving, in collaboration with the National Center for Plant Coverage and other stakeholders.
Michael White, chief commercial officer of the RSI, said: “The introduction of sustainable aviation fuel at Redsee International Airport is an important milestone in our dedication to stewardship and environmental sustainability. This groundbreaking initiative not only reduces carbon emissions, but also corresponds to our broader mission to protect the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Red Sea. “
The Red Sea welcomed its first guests in 2023, with five of its hotels open. RSI has received a regular schedule of domestic flights and international flights since September 2023, with a twice a week route between the Red Sea and Dubai International.
After the full completion in 2030, the destination consists of up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential property in 22 islands and six domestic sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B and recreational facilities.
