Neste and Viva Aerobus, the Mexican ultra-low-cost carrier, have signed a new purchase agreement for 1 million l (264 000 gal.) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation FuelTM. The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied to Viva Aerobus will be blended with conventional jet fuel and used to power the airline’s flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey in Mexico.
On 15 June 2022, Viva Aerobus completed its first flight powered by Neste’s SAF from Los Angeles to Guadalajara, and the current agreement is the next step in fulfilling the airline’s mission of further reducing its carbon emissions. SAF-powered flights will start to take off in 2H23, with each flight using a fuel blend with about 35% of Neste MY SAF. The total volume of SAF purchased will help Viva Aerobus reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2415 tons of CO2e, equivalent to the emissions of 537 passenger cars in the US in a year.
“We embrace the goal to reduce our carbon footprint, a goal which requires an extensive commitment. We are proud to increase the use of SAF, partnering with Neste, and we will also continue to take further steps in adhering to best practices in sustainability such as optimizing our fuel efficiency. We deeply thank Neste for supporting us on our journey towards becoming a more eco-friendly carrier,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus.
“We are thrilled to team up with Viva Aerobus, a fast-growing airline, and support their commitment to minimising the carbon footprint of their flights with our Neste MY SAF. Los Angeles International Airport is an important hub for Viva Aerobus travelers to fly between the US and Mexico, and this partnership will make their trips more sustainable, building on Neste’s capabilities to supply SAF to airlines at one of the busiest airports in the US and the world,” said Michael Sargeant, Vice President Americas from the Renewable Aviation business unit at Neste.
In addition to purchasing Neste’s SAF, Viva's recent efforts to contribute to a more sustainable Mexican air industry include Viva being the airline with the youngest aircraft fleet in Mexico equipped with fuel-efficient technology, implementing the first programme in Mexico aimed to separate and recycle on-board waste, and the launching of its voluntary carbon offset programme.