In a landmark move for the aviation industry, Kenya Airways has successfully operated its first intra-African flight from Nairobi to Cape Town, using a remarkable 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in accordance with international standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
This pioneering flight heralds a significant advance in efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts of air travel across the African continent.
The use of SAF, which is derived from Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) feedstocks — such as used cooking oil and other waste materials — can potentially yield a staggering 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel when produced and used properly. By implementing SAF attributes verified through global certification schemes that guarantee traceability and transparency, Kenya Airways has carved a new path toward more sustainable air travel.
This historic flight is part of the Sky Team Aviation Challenge 2025 (TAC), themed “Impact,” which seeks to showcase tangible actions that promote sustainability within the aviation sector.
