KQ's Ambitious SAF Production Plan

Kenya Airways (KQ) has unveiled an ambitious strategy to commence local production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) within the next five years, with a target for full commercialisation by 2030. This initiative is a cornerstone of the national carrier's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, aligning with global aviation sustainability goals.

The airline's 2024 Sustainability Report, launched in Nairobi on June 24, 2025, detailed plans to cultivate SAF feedstock on degraded land in Kwale County, a former mining site. This project involves planting 1.2 million trees annually, which are expected to mature and provide raw materials for SAF production. The goal is to produce SAF for both domestic consumption and export.

Context: Africa's Green Aviation Challenges

While SAF is crucial for decarbonising aviation, Africa faces substantial challenges in its adoption and production. Prohibitive costs, limited infrastructure, and a reliance on international standards hinder the continent's progress. SAF is currently four to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, making its widespread adoption difficult for many African airlines, which often operate on thin margins.

Despite these hurdles, Africa possesses abundant resources for SAF production, including agricultural residues, forest biomass, and municipal waste. However, the continent has only five recorded SAF projects and a projected production capacity of 0.6 million tonnes by 2030, placing it on the sidelines of the global green aviation movement.

Law and Policy Landscape

Kenya's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions by 32% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) provides a strong policy backdrop for KQ's SAF initiatives. The airline's efforts are seen as a prime example of public-private partnerships driving green growth.

Internationally, KQ is playing a significant role by spearheading the International Air Transport Association (IATA)'s SAF Registry, set to roll out in the first quarter of 2025. This registry aims to build trust and transparency in SAF transactions globally, allowing airlines to claim environmental benefits for regulatory compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement

KQ is collaborating with various stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia, to develop local SAF feedstock. The airline has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a local SAF producer. Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change, Festus Ng'eno, and Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, have commended KQ's efforts, highlighting their contribution to national climate goals and support for women in leadership within the aviation sector.

The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) encourages member airlines to improve operational efficiency and transition to cost-competitive SAF, urging governments, fuel producers, and manufacturers to support this shift.

Evidence and Data

• SAF Cost: SAF is currently 4-5 times more expensive than traditional jet fuel.
• Emissions Reduction: SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
• KQ's Carbon Footprint: Fuel accounts for 64% of Kenya Airways' carbon emissions and 30-35% of its operational costs.
• Tree Planting: KQ has planted 1.2 million trees and aims to maintain this annually for feedstock.
• Fleet Modernisation: KQ plans to expand its fleet from 34 to 53 aircraft over the next five years, prioritising fuel-efficient models.
• Ground Operations: 12 pieces of KQ's ground service equipment have been converted to electric, and a plant converting plastic waste into biodiesel is operational.
• First SAF Flight: In May 2023, KQ became the first African airline to use SAF for a long-haul flight from Nairobi to Amsterdam.
• Women in Aviation: Women constitute 8% of KQ pilots, exceeding the global average of 4-5%.

Risks and Implications

The high cost of SAF remains a significant barrier, with the additional expense likely to be passed on to passengers. Scaling up production requires substantial investment, policy alignment, and cross-sector collaboration. Without supportive public policies, subsidies, or global incentives, making SAF commercially viable for widespread use will be challenging.

Furthermore, the lack of local infrastructure for SAF production and distribution, coupled with limited access to financing and technology, poses considerable risks for Africa's broader adoption of green aviation.

Unknowns

The specific timelines for the full commercialisation of local SAF production beyond 2030, the exact costs involved in scaling up, and the long-term safeguards to ensure affordability and accessibility of SAF across Africa remain to be fully clarified. The impact of potential carbon taxes on wealthy air travellers, as proposed by some nations, on the overall cost structure of SAF in Africa is also an area of uncertainty.

Timeline

• May 2023: Kenya Airways operates Africa's first long-haul flight using SAF from Nairobi to Amsterdam.
• June 24, 2025: Kenya Airways launches its 2024 Sustainability Report, announcing plans for local SAF production within five years.
• First Quarter 2025: IATA's SAF Registry, spearheaded by KQ, is expected to roll out.
• 2030: Kenya Airways aims for full commercialisation of local SAF production.
• 2050: Kenya Airways' target for achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

What to Watch

Observers will be keenly watching the progress of KQ's Kwale County feedstock project, particularly regarding its scalability and economic viability. The development of a clear regulatory framework and fiscal incentives from the Kenyan government will be crucial for accelerating SAF production. Additionally, the effectiveness of IATA's SAF Registry in fostering a transparent global market for SAF will be a key indicator for Africa's green aviation future.

Related

The push for sustainable aviation in Kenya aligns with broader continental efforts to enhance air connectivity through initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which are expected to increase demand for sustainable fuel options.