Staff Report
Dubai, UAE
Emirates said, it will invest US$ 200 million in to fund research and development (R&D) focussed on reducing the impact of fossil fuels in commercial aviation with funds to be disbursed over 3 years.
The world’s biggest international carrier said, it will forge partnerships with leading organisations working on solutions in advanced fuel and energy technologies. Emirates’ long-standing environmental policy and strategy focuses its activities on 3 areas: emissions reduction, responsible consumption, and the conservation of wildlife and habitats.
“We are ring-fencing US$200 million to invest in advanced fuel and energy solutions for aviation, which is where airlines currently face the biggest impediment in reducing our environmental impact. We looked long and hard at the reality we face in commercial aircraft and engine technology, fuel supply chain, and our industry’s regulatory and eco-system requirements. It’s clear that with the current pathways available to airlines in terms of emissions reduction, our industry won’t be able to hit net zero targets in the prescribed timeline.’’ Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said.
In January, Emirates successfully completed the first 100 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)-powered demonstration flight in partnership with Boeing and GE. Since its first flight powered by SAF in 2017, the airline continues to participate actively in the SAF market and seek opportunities in its network to use SAF where feasible.
However, bio-based SAF, currently the only type of commercially available SAF, is extremely limited in supply. IATA estimates that the entire world’s annual supply of SAF meets less than 0.1 percent of airlines’ needs.
Sir Tim Clark added: “Until viable solutions can be found, Emirates will continue to implement environmentally responsible practices throughout our business, including uplifting, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) where feasible, ensuring efficient fleet operations, and inducting modern aircraft into our fleet. Our US$ 200 million fund is earmarked for R&D, and not for operating costs like the purchase of SAF or carbon offsets to tick regulatory boxes – activities we consider business-as-usual.”
Emirates investment in flying a young and modern aircraft fleet remains its biggest commitment to reducing its emissions. The airline currently has 200 of the latest Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft on order, including A350s and 777Xs.
The airline has a comprehensive fuel efficiency programme that actively investigates and implements ways to reduce unnecessary fuel burn and emissions, wherever it is operationally feasible. Some of the program’s most significant initiatives include:
Introducing fuel efficient practices while the aircraft is on the ground, such as: the use of ground power units instead of the aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) and switching one or two engines off while taxiing in after landing. Emirates also invests in renewable energy initiatives including the installation of solar panels to power some of its operational buildings in Dubai, and the use of electric vehicles both airside and landside.
The announcement of the US$200 million R&D funds comes as the airline announced Dh10.6 billion (US$2.9 billion) net profits for the financial year ending March 2023, compared with Dh3.9 billion (US$1.1 billion) loss in the previous year.
