Powering the Skies Sustainably: SAS Joins Forces for e-SAF Revolution
- 14-Apr-2025 3:59 PM
- Journalist: Stella Fernandes
SAS has joined a broad alliance of aviation and energy sector leaders to advocate for the large-scale adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with a strong emphasis on Electro-Sustainable Aviation Fuel (e-SAF). This type of synthetic fuel is created using renewable electricity sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower. What sets e-SAF apart is its carbon neutrality—it releases only the amount of carbon that was initially captured during its production, making it a key tool in aviation’s shift away from fossil fuels.
Mads Brandstrup Nielsen, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at SAS, emphasized the importance of collaborative progress, stating, “Moving away from fossil-based fuels isn’t just important—it’s essential. At SAS, we believe real change is possible through cooperation and a shared roadmap for transformation.”
This shared vision was solidified at the international SAF seminar held in Bodø on April 9–10, which culminated in the launch of the Bodø Declaration. The event convened key stakeholders from across the aviation ecosystem—including industry experts, researchers, NGOs, and representatives from the European Commission. It underscored the urgent need for stable regulatory frameworks, secure investment environments, and cross-sector collaboration to achieve a meaningful transition to cleaner aviation fuels.
The Bodø Declaration builds on efforts like Project SkyPower—a joint letter submitted to the European Commission in February 2025. Spearheaded by SAS, the initiative was supported by a broad network of aviation and energy players who recognize the critical role e-SAF will play in decarbonizing air travel. Signatories to the declaration include fuel producers, technology developers, aircraft and engine manufacturers, airport operators, policymakers, and academics, all united in their goal of maintaining aviation’s essential societal role while minimizing its environmental impact.
Strategic collaboration lies at the core of SAS’s sustainability strategy. The Bodø Declaration is a clear example of the kind of joint action required to meet rising demand and accelerate the transition to cleaner aviation. This vision was further reinforced in November of the previous year when SAS signed a partnership agreement with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Copenhagen Airport, and Aalborg Airport to promote e-SAF production in Denmark. This collaboration is part of the Fjord PtX project, a national initiative aimed at producing synthetic fuels using renewable energy. The project not only advances Denmark’s leadership in sustainable aviation but also contributes to job creation and the broader decarbonization of the aviation industry.
SAS is the leading airline in Scandinavia, operating major hubs in Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm. In fiscal year 2023, SAS welcomed 23.7 million passengers across a network of more than 125 destinations spanning Europe, the United States, Africa, and Asia. Rooted in its Scandinavian heritage and strong commitment to sustainability, SAS is dedicated to leading the charge in sustainable aviation and advancing the industry’s transition toward net-zero emissions.