Ryanair and Enilive Join Forces to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation in Italy

In a groundbreaking development for the aviation industry, Ryanair, Europe's leading airline, has partnered with Enilive, a subsidiary of energy giant Eni, to propel their journey towards a more sustainable future. Announced on January 22nd, this collaboration is a significant stride in Ryanair's ambitious Pathway to Net Zero by 2050 decarbonization strategy. The partnership, formalized through a Letter of Intent (LOI), focuses on the supply of Enilive's sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at select Ryanair airports across Italy.

This alliance is particularly noteworthy as it commits to the provision of up to 100,000 tons (33 million gallons) of SAF between 2025 and 2030. This volume is equivalent to fueling approximately 20,000 flights from Milan's Malpensa Airport to Dublin, marking a considerable shift towards greener aviation practices.

SAF, primarily produced from waste feedstocks like used cooking oil, animal fats, and agro-food industry residues, represents a tangible solution to decarbonize aviation. Despite its current limited use globally, the fuel, known as Eni Biojet, can be blended with conventional jet fuel up to 50%. It's a critical component of Enilive's biorefineries in Italy, which are instrumental in the production of this 100% biogenic component SAF.

Thomas Fowler, Ryanair’s Director of Sustainability, emphasizes the importance of increasing SAF production to meet the aviation industry's future demands. He states, "Partnering with an industry leader like Eni will help Ryanair achieve our ambitious goal of using 12.5% SAF by 2030 and reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050."

Stefano Ballista, CEO of Enilive, highlights the alignment of this agreement with the European Union’s ReFuelEU regulations, which aim to increase SAF adoption by 2050. Enilive’s commitment to expanding its biorefining capacity to over 5 million tonnes per year by 2030 reflects its dedication to developing biofuels that play a crucial role in decarbonizing mobility, including challenging sectors like aviation.

The collaboration between Ryanair and Enilive is more than just a business agreement; it's a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future in aviation. As Ryanair aims to carry 300 million passengers per annum by 2034, this partnership sets a precedent in the industry, demonstrating the tangible steps being taken towards environmental responsibility and sustainable growth in air travel.