Neste Corporation, News, April 24, 2023
Viva Aerobus aircraft on the tarmac
Photo: courtesy of Viva Aerobus
Viva Aerobus, Mexico’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, is taking a significant step towards greener skies through a new agreement with Neste, the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The Mexican airline and Neste have announced a purchase agreement for one million liters (264,000 gallons) of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™. This SAF will be blended with conventional jet fuel to power Viva Aerobus flights departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to key destinations in Mexico, including Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey.
This agreement marks a notable expansion of Viva Aerobus’s commitment to sustainability. In June of last year, the airline operated its first flight using Neste’s SAF from Los Angeles to Guadalajara. This new purchase agreement solidifies their dedication to reducing carbon emissions and operating more environmentally responsible flights. Starting in the latter half of 2023, flights from LAX will utilize a fuel blend containing approximately 35% Neste MY SAF. The total SAF volume procured is projected to decrease Viva Aerobus’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 2,415 tons of CO2e*, which is comparable to removing the emissions from 537 passenger vehicles in the U.S. for an entire year**.
“Reducing our carbon footprint is a core objective for Viva Aerobus, and it requires substantial dedication. Increasing our utilization of SAF, in partnership with Neste, is a crucial step,” stated Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus. “We are also actively implementing further sustainability best practices, such as enhancing our fuel efficiency. We express our sincere gratitude to Neste for their invaluable support in our journey to become an increasingly eco-friendly airline.”
Michael Sargeant, Vice President Americas, Renewable Aviation at Neste, commented, “We are excited to collaborate with Viva Aerobus, a rapidly expanding airline, and to support their proactive approach to minimizing the environmental impact of their operations through the adoption of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Los Angeles International Airport serves as a vital connection point for Viva Aerobus passengers traveling between the U.S. and Mexico. This partnership enhances the sustainability of these journeys, leveraging Neste’s capacity to supply SAF to airlines at one of the busiest airports globally.”
Viva Aerobus is committed to fostering a more sustainable aviation industry within Mexico and beyond. Beyond this SAF purchase, Viva Aerobus demonstrates its commitment through operating the youngest aircraft fleet in Mexico, which incorporates fuel-efficient technologies. They have also pioneered Mexico’s first onboard waste separation and recycling program and introduced a voluntary carbon offset initiative for passengers.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a game-changing renewable fuel source that offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional, fossil-based jet fuel. It is widely recognized as a critical component in achieving the aviation industry’s ambitious emission reduction targets. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ stands out by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%*** over its lifecycle compared to conventional jet fuel. Neste produces its SAF from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste.
) Calculated using fossil jet fuel lifecycle emissions of 3.9 tons CO2e per metric ton of jet fuel and a GHG emissions reduction of up to 80% when replacing fossil fuel with neat SAF.
**) Source: https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator
***) When used in its neat form (unblended) and assessed using established Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as the CORSIA methodology.
For More Information:
Neste Media Contact: +358 800 94025 / [email protected] (weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EET). For Neste releases, subscribe at https://www.neste.com/for-media/releases-and-news/subscribe.
Viva Aerobus Contacts: Walfred Castro, Director of Corporate Communication, [email protected]; Tarssis Dessavre, Account Executive, PRoa Structura, [email protected]
About Neste:
Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) is dedicated to creating solutions to combat climate change and accelerate the circular economy. They refine waste, residues, and innovative raw materials into renewable fuels and sustainable feedstocks for various materials. Neste is the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel and is actively developing chemical recycling solutions. Neste aims to help customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030 and strives to make its Porvoo refinery in Finland the most sustainable in Europe by 2030. Committed to carbon-neutral production by 2035 and a 50% reduction in the carbon emission intensity of sold products by 2040, Neste upholds high standards for biodiversity, human rights, and supply chain sustainability. Neste was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the Global 100 list of sustainable companies. In 2022, Neste’s revenue reached EUR 25.7 billion. Learn more at neste.com.
About Viva Aerobus:
Viva Aerobus, Mexico’s ultra-low-cost airline, commenced operations in 2006 and now operates the youngest fleet in Latin America, comprised of 69 Airbus aircraft: 43 A320s and 26 A321s. With a mission to make air travel accessible to everyone, Viva Aerobus offers the lowest fares in Mexico and the lowest cost structure in the Americas, providing exceptional value to passengers. For further details, visit www.vivaaerobus.com/en.
