Saudia Deploys Sustainable Aviation Fuel To Operate Its Flights From Red Sea International Airport

Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, begun operating domestic flights using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) uplifted from Red Sea International Airport in September 2025, conducted in partnership with Red Sea Global.

This milestone underscores Saudia’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It also aligns with the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s Comprehensive Environmental Sustainability Program (CAESP), which aims to reduce the aviation sector’s environmental impact.

Maryam Telmesani, Vice President of Sustainability at Saudia Group, said: “This milestone reflects how Saudia is translating its sustainability vision into concrete results. By turning national ambitions into implementation and collaborating with key partners such as Red Sea Global, we are driving meaningful progress across the Kingdom’s sustainability efforts.”

She added: “Our actions contribute directly to both the Kingdom’s domestic and global efforts to support sustainability and the environment, reinforcing Saudia’s role as a leader in advancing efforts for a more sustainable future for aviation.”

Produced through innovative processes that significantly reduce lifecycle emissions, The operation of SAF-powered flights represents a tangible step within Saudia’s broader contribution to the Kingdom’s sustainability efforts. Saudia Group is expanding its efforts by exploring other alternative fuel technologies, including Low Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF) and Emerging/Synthetic Aviation Fuels (eSAF), as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to manage GHGs, and use all available approaches and pathways to diversify energy sources to support sustainable development. These efforts contribute to the Kingdom’s broader transport sustainability targets, in line with its strategy to reduce carbon emissions.

Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Sustainability and Environment Officer at RSG, said: “We are proud to have been the first to introduce SAF into the Kingdom earlier this year, a milestone that reflects our commitment to reducing our emissions. Saudia was the first airline to operate flightsto Red Sea International Airport, and it’s fitting that they are now the first to utilize our sustainable fuel supply.”

He added: “We are committed to utilizing all clean energy technologies, including renewable energy and advanced water reuse to low-carbon emission mobility, we’re setting a new benchmark for responsible, regenerative travel.”

As the Kingdom accelerates its transformation, milestones such as the introduction of sustainable aviation fuels highlight how collective national efforts are reshaping the future of air travel. Building on this progress, Saudia Group remains committed to advancing technologies, practices, and partnerships that elevate the aviation sector and support the Kingdom’s long-term aspirations.