Atlas Air Partners with Fuel Supplier on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Test Flight from Spain’s Zaragoza Airport

Rhea-AI Summary

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings (Nasdaq: AAWW) successfully completed a transoceanic test flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on December 21, 2020, from Zaragoza, Spain, to Mexico City. The flight marked a significant milestone as it is believed to be Spain's first commercial cargo flight blending SAF with Jet A-1 fuel. The SAF blend, made from fresh vegetable oil, can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%. This initiative aligns with Atlas Air's commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency in the air cargo industry.

Positive

• First transoceanic commercial cargo flight in Spain using SAF.
• SAF blend can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%.
• Demonstrates commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
• Partnership with Exolum to further SAF availability.

Negative

• None.

PURCHASE, N.Y., Dec. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AAWW), a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services, has announced the completion of a transoceanic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) test flight that originated at Spain’s Zaragoza Airport.

Atlas Air Flight 562 was powered by a blend of fuel containing 2.33% SAF sourced from fresh vegetable oil. The Boeing 747-400F left Zaragoza on Monday, December 21 and arrived in Mexico City. This is believed to be the first transoceanic commercial cargo flight in Spain to include a blend of SAF and Jet A-1 fuel. Using life cycle analysis, SAF has been shown to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%. The flight’s cargo included a shipment of goods from an Atlas customer.

“Innovative sustainable aviation fuel test projects demonstrate our ability to partner with our customers and suppliers to help create a more sustainable future for the air cargo industry and global commerce,” said John W. Dietrich, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Air Worldwide. “Through ongoing meaningful partnerships, we will drive wider acceptance and availability of SAF, which will lower costs and have a positive impact on our industry and the environment.”

The blend of fuel was transported from Madrid to Zaragoza. Atlas Air partnered with Exolum, a subsidiary of CLH Group, and utilized its Avikor platform to implement the trial. Given the adaptable nature of SAF, no additional adjustments to fuel or engine components were necessary. The final blend was certified according to DEF STAND 91/091, with the SAF component certified for sustainability in accordance with International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) guidelines.

“One of the main targets of Avikor is to promote universally a more sustainable way to fly, offering both individuals and enterprises the possibility of using sustainable aircraft fuel, which reduces fuel emissions during flights and helps to improve our planet responsibly, without sacrificing the convenience of flying,” said Andrés Suarez, Global Strategy & Innovation Lead of Grupo CLH and CEO of Exolum.

In line with industry guidelines and best practices, Atlas is deeply committed to environmental stewardship through the reduction of aircraft emissions and resource consumption. Atlas has promoted sustainability by continuously driving operational efficiency and recognizes that the development of sustainable aviation fuels must be accelerated if the industry is going to meet its long-term environmental goals. Atlas is working with partners across the globe to ensure the safety and environmental benefits of SAF and to further its commercial viability.

About Atlas Air Worldwide

Atlas Air Worldwide is a leading global provider of outsourced aircraft and aviation operating services. It is the parent company of Atlas Air, Inc., Southern Air Holdings, Inc. and Titan Aviation Holdings, Inc., and is the majority shareholder of Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. Our companies operate the world’s largest fleet of 747 freighter aircraft and provide customers the broadest array of Boeing 747, 777, 767 and 737 aircraft for domestic, regional and international cargo and passenger operations.

Atlas Air Worldwide’s press releases, SEC filings and other information may be accessed through the company’s home page, www.atlasairworldwide.com.

About Exolum and Avikor

Exolum is the subsidiary of the CLH Group focused exclusively on identifying and developing new business opportunities aimed at strengthening the Group's commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, decarbonisation and circular economy.

Avikor, is the Exolum platform which provides SAF, a sustainable fuel alternative at the service of aviation, clean and, above all, responsible with the environment: www.avikor.com.

Contacts:         
Investors –InvestorRelations@atlasair.com
Media – CorpCommunications@atlasair.com

FAQ

What is Atlas Air Worldwide's recent achievement with SAF?

Atlas Air successfully completed a transoceanic test flight using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sourced from fresh vegetable oil.

When did Atlas Air complete its SAF test flight?

The SAF test flight was completed on December 21, 2020.

What are the environmental benefits of the SAF used by Atlas Air?

The SAF used can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%.

What was the route of Atlas Air's SAF test flight?

The flight originated from Zaragoza, Spain, and arrived in Mexico City.

What fuel blend did Atlas Air use for its test flight?

The test flight was powered by a blend containing 2.33% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with Jet A-1 fuel.

Who did Atlas Air partner with for the SAF flight?

Atlas Air partnered with Exolum, a subsidiary of CLH Group, for the SAF test flight.