In the largest single commitment by any airline to sustainability

Emirates invests $200 million in advanced fuel and energy solutions

Funding will be for research projects focused on reducing the impact of fossil fuels on aviation operations. Archival

Emirates, the world's largest international carrier, has announced $200 million over three years to fund research and development projects focused on reducing the impact of fossil fuels on commercial aviation operations, the largest single commitment of any airline to sustainability. Emirates will identify partnerships with leading organisations working on solutions in advanced fuel and energy technologies.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, said in a tweet: "Emirates has announced the $200 million Aviation Sustainability Fund, the largest single commitment by any airline to sustainability, and this fund will focus on projects that will reduce the impact of fossil fuels on aviation." His Highness added: "We will partner with leading institutions in the field of research and development, and actively participate in finding practical solutions for the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation."

Emirates President Tim Clark said: "We are committing $200 million to invest in advanced aviation fuel and energy solutions, as carriers currently face the biggest barrier in reducing environmental impact.

"It is clear that the current pipeline available to carriers in terms of emission reductions will not enable our industry to reach net zero targets within the deadline, and we believe that our industry needs better solutions, so we look forward to partnering with leading R&D institutions. Our goal is to actively participate in practical solutions for the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation."

"Until viable solutions are found, we at Emirates will continue to adopt and apply environmentally responsible practices across all our operations, including using sustainable SAF fuels where available, ensuring efficient fleet operations, and continuing to introduce modern aircraft into our fleet. We have allocated our $200 million fund for research and development, not for operating costs such as the purchase of sustainable fuels or carbon offsets, which are our usual activities."

Emirates' long-term environmental policy and strategy focuses its activities on three areas: reducing emissions, responsible consumption, and preserving wildlife and habitats.

In January 2023, Emirates successfully completed the first test flight in which one of the two engines operated on 100% sustainable fuel (SAF), in partnership with Boeing and General Electric.