We are committed to sustainability, but we keep our feet on the ground. Airlines They make clear they are on track to reduce their emissions to zero, but demand “more support” from governments To overcome the challenges that Europe has imposed on them, such as the obligation to use at least 2% biofuel or synthetic fuel (SAF) from 2025. A practice from which the Canary Islands are exempt. This was announced by representatives of Air Europa, Iberia, Ryanair and Binter at the ‘Canary Islands Opportunities and challenges of the energy transition’ event organized by Repsol and Apd in the capital of Gran Canaria.
Speakers agreed that the most appropriate solution was the use of synthetic fuel (SAF) but insisted: The price of this type of fuel is “more than three times” higher than the pollutant used today. “SAF is an exploration to suppress CO2 emissions from the airline industry, but it is not possible to expand its use without assistance as the demand is currently below 1% and this is because its price is too high,” he said. Iberia Sustainability Director Teresa Parejo.
José Antonio Salazar, Air Europa’s sustainability director, assured that without aid it would be “complicated” to meet the targets set by the EU to reduce emissions. Binter’s general coordinator Juan Ramsden also defended the use of SAF but insisted on its “too high cost”. This may have repercussions on flight tickets. “We don’t know how we’re going to do it, but what’s clear is that it’s going to cost more and we’re all going to pay for it when we fly,” he added.
David Simón, Ryanair’s Director of Corporate Affairs, also warned about aviation taxes in Europe that make non-EU routes such as flights from Dublin (Ireland) to Agadir (Morocco) more attractive, commenting: policies Sustainability The airline industry needs to “act according to the needs of companies”.
Synthetic fuel production for aviation represents an opportunity for depleted Spain and the Canary Islands, according to airlines. In fact, Parejo pointed out that, according to a study, its production could create employment for 270,000 people and a wealth of 56,000 million euros.
In another dialogue table of the day, the use of biofuels in land transportation was also brought to the agenda; This option was supported by speakers on the electrification of the fleet. “Transporters see biofuels as good, but they are much more expensive and vehicles need to be renewed. we need management“said José Agustín Espino, president of the Canary Islands Freight Forwarders Federation.