NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya Airways (KQ) has unveiled a detailed strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, placing a significant bet on the local production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to drive its green transition. The plan, detailed in its inaugural stand-alone 2024 Sustainability Report, was released on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, outlining a multi-pronged approach that balances environmental commitments with its recent return to operational profitability.

The report, which has been externally assured, marks a pivotal moment for the airline as it seeks to align with global aviation decarbonisation targets and solidify its role as a leader in African aviation. Central to this strategy is the ambitious goal of incorporating a 10% SAF blend in its operations by 2030, a key milestone towards the 2050 net-zero target committed to by members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Sustainable Fuel at the Forefront

The cornerstone of KQ's environmental strategy is the development of a local SAF supply chain. CEO Allan Kilavuka announced that the airline has entered a memorandum of understanding with a local producer to cultivate SAF feedstock on degraded land in Kwale County, a former mining site. The project involves planting 1.2 million trees annually, with the aim of harvesting feedstock and beginning local SAF production within five years, targeting commercialisation by 2030.

This initiative is critical, as fuel accounts for over 60% of the airline's carbon emissions. By localising production, KQ aims to mitigate the prohibitively high cost of imported SAF, which can be four to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel in Africa. "Our goal is to produce SAF for both local use and export once the trees mature around 2030," Kilavuka stated, highlighting the dual benefit of reducing emissions and enhancing Kenya's energy security. This move builds on KQ's pioneering step in May 2023, when it became the first African airline to operate a long-haul flight from Nairobi to Amsterdam using SAF.

Operational and Social Overhaul

Beyond fuel, the sustainability plan encompasses a wide range of operational and social initiatives. The airline reported a 15% reduction in operational waste in 2024 compared to the previous year and has eliminated single-use plastics from its flights, replacing them with renewable paper and bamboo cutlery. Furthermore, 12% of its ground service equipment is now powered by renewable energy, supported by an innovative plant that converts waste plastic into biodiesel.

The report also highlights significant progress in social metrics. In 2024, Kenya Airways grew its workforce by 8% to 4,705 employees, with women now constituting 44% of the total workforce, a 2% increase from 2023. The airline has made notable strides in gender equity within technical roles, with women now making up 8% of its pilots—a figure significantly higher than the global industry average of 4-5%.

These sustainability efforts are backdropped by a crucial financial turnaround. For the financial year ending December 31, 2024, Kenya Airways reported its first operating profit in seven years, a result of its 'Project Kifaru' strategic recovery plan. This newfound financial stability is seen as essential for funding the capital-intensive green transition, including a planned fleet modernisation and expansion from 34 to 53 aircraft by 2029.

Regional Context and Global Challenges

Kenya Airways' strategy positions it at the forefront of a nascent green aviation movement in Africa. While other carriers like Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airways are exploring SAF, KQ's commitment to local production is a significant differentiator. The initiative aligns with Kenya's national climate goals, which include a 32% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 under its Nationally Determined Contributions.

However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The global aviation industry requires an estimated $5 trillion to achieve its 2050 net-zero target, with SAF expected to account for about 62-65% of the necessary carbon mitigation. For African airlines, the lack of infrastructure, high costs, and reliance on international standards remain substantial barriers. CEO Allan Kilavuka has acknowledged that African passengers are often unwilling to bear the higher costs associated with greener flights, underscoring the need for government subsidies and green financing to make the transition viable. Despite these hurdles, the airline's leadership remains optimistic, viewing the strategy as a necessary investment in long-term viability and a commitment to contributing to the prosperity of Kenya and the African continent.