British Airways has signed a new supply deal with alternative aviation fuel producer EcoCeres.

The UK-based carrier has set a target of powering at least 10 per cent of its flights with what the aviation industry calls ¡°sustainable¡± aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030.

The ¡°multi-year¡± deal between BA and Hong Kong-based EcoCeres will cover the supply of fuel that will reduce emissions by around 400,000 metric tonnes over the lifecycle of the fuel compared with traditional kerosene-based jet fuel.

In a statement, EcoCeres said this is equivalent to the emissions from 240,000 economy class passengers travelling on return flights between London and New York.

Carrie Harris, BA¡¯s director of sustainability, added: ¡°In 2024 alone, SAF accounted for 2.7 per cent of British Airways¡¯ total fuel use and is contributing to our achievement of a 13 per cent reduction in our carbon intensity since 2019.

¡°That¡¯s why this new agreement with EcoCeres is so exciting - it's another important step forward on our journey to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.¡±

Airlines are required to use at least 2 per cent SAF as part of their total fuel mix during 2025, according to mandates introduced by both the UK government and the EU this year.

EcoCeres operates a processing facility for alternative aviation fuel in Jiangsu, China. British Airways is also backing production sites in the UK and US run by specialist fuel company LanzaJet.

Matti Lievonen, CEO of EcoCeres,?said: ¡°Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering, and this partnership exemplifies our dedication to providing innovative fuel solutions that will help the aviation industry meet its environmental targets.¡±