NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Airways (KQ) has made history by operating its first intra-African flight using 50 p.c Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) attributes, marking a major step toward greener air travel across the continent.
The milestone flight, conducted under the SkyTeam Aviation Challenge 2025 themed “Impact”, was operated on the Nairobi–Cape Town route and celebrated as part of KQ’s broader sustainability agenda.
The airline said the SAF attributes were verified through global certification systems that ensure transparency, traceability, and compliance with international standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
“This milestone marks a step in reducing the carbon footprint of air travel in Africa,” the airline said in a statement. “The SAF attributes are verified through global certification schemes that ensure traceability and transparency.”
According to aviation experts, Sustainable Aviation Fuel could contribute up to 65 p.c of the emission reductions needed for the aviation sector to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.
SAF is typically produced from Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) feedstocks such as used cooking oil and other organic waste materials, which can achieve up to 85 p.c lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
However, stakeholders have cautioned that the widespread rollout of SAF faces significant barriers, including high production costs, limited supply chains, and the absence of regional legal and regulatory frameworks to guide adoption.
Despite these challenges, Kenya Airways said its 50 p.c SAF-equivalent operation represents “a meaningful step in exploring realistic and measurable ways to reduce emissions across its network.”
The airline also showcased a range of eco-friendly initiatives on board the demonstration flight. These included up-cycled blanket bags and headset covers, reusable cutlery, locally sourced Kenyan coffee and tea, canned beverages instead of plastic bottles, and reusable hot drink cups.
Additionally, cabin waste recycling and reusable service items were part of the initiative, with crew members taking the lead in educating passengers on responsible travel practices.
“This flight shows what can be achieved through collaboration and innovation,” said Hellen Mwariri, Kenya Airways’ Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. “It’s a step towards practical solutions that reduce our impact while keeping operations efficient.”
Kenya Airways noted that the initiative aligns with its long-term sustainability strategy and ongoing partnerships with government agencies, local innovators, and international aviation bodies — including IATA, SkyTeam, and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) — to develop local SAF production capacity in Kenya by 2026.
The airline’s successful use of SAF signals both environmental responsibility and regional leadership, positioning Kenya as a key player in Africa’s transition toward sustainable aviation and low-carbon growth in the transport sector.
