PARIS- An Air France (AF) Airbus A220-300 completed its inaugural ferry flight from Mirabel Airport (YMX) to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
This delivery marks the first time Airbus issued official sustainability credentials for SAF directly to an airline customer, strengthening aviation’s pathway toward decarbonization.
Photo: Saint-Tropez” Air France F-HZUF Airbus A220-300 cn/55149 … | FlickrAir France Airbus A220 SAF Flight
The flight demonstrates Airbus’ capability to provide Proof of Sustainability (PoS) under the CORSIA Sustainability Certification Scheme, ensuring verified emission reductions for SAF usage.
Air France’s 46th A220-300, named VAISON-LA-ROMAINE, reduced lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 25 tonnes compared to fossil fuels during this milestone journey.
According to Air France-KLM, combining fleet renewal with SAF is essential for aviation’s decarbonization strategy.
The airline group, among the world’s largest SAF buyers, emphasized that receiving SAF at delivery increases transparency and accelerates industry adoption.
Photo: AirbusExpanding SAF Integration
Since introducing SAF deliveries to its Mirabel site, Airbus has been progressively integrating SAF into A220 production, acceptance, and test flights.
In 2025, the site aims to cut CO2 emissions by around 400 metric tonnes by consuming 170,000 litres of pure SAF.
This aligns with Airbus’ global initiative, with 78% of its aircraft delivered in the first half of the year using SAF blends.
Airbus targets 100% SAF compatibility across all aircraft by 2030. Current A220 models already operate with up to 50% SAF, reflecting both technical readiness and regulatory compliance.
Photo: AirbusLifecycle Emissions
The SAF used in this delivery flight was certified to achieve up to an 85% reduction in lifecycle emissions compared to fossil fuel.
This substantial decrease is managed through the mass balance system, where certified SAF volumes are tracked alongside conventional Jet A-1 fuel using an auditable chain of custody approach.
By adopting this system, Airbus ensures both operational feasibility and transparency in SAF usage, reinforcing its role as a driver of sustainable aviation.
Photo: AirbusAir France’s A220 Fleet
Air France’s first A220 entered service in 2021, part of a 60-aircraft order. The A220 family offers up to 25% lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions per seat compared to previous generation aircraft, further supporting the airline’s medium-haul efficiency goals.
The A220 programme continues to serve as a cornerstone in both Airbus’ and Air France’s sustainability roadmaps, combining cutting-edge aircraft efficiency with sustainable fuel adoption.
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