Saudi Arabia Launches Landmark SAF Initiative at Red Sea International Airport
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport (RSI) now offers sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to all airlines. Red Sea Global (RSG), a PIF-owned developer, partnered with daa International and fuel supplier APSCO to enable this eco-friendly refueling solution.
RSG leads regenerative tourism projects like The Red Sea and AMAALA. Its subsidiary, Fly Red Sea, will exclusively use SAF and lower-carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) for seaplane transfers and charters.
SAF blends at RSI combine 35% renewable fuel with 65% conventional jet fuel, reducing aircraft emissions by up to 35%. RSG emphasizes SAF’s role in shrinking aviation’s carbon footprint.
From Waste to Wings: How SAF Works
SAF derives from renewable sources like cooking oil, agricultural waste, and captured CO₂. Refining methods like hydroprocessing ensure compatibility with global aviation standards set by IATA and ICAO.
John Pagano, RSG Group CEO, stated, “Travel impacts our planet, so we’re transforming aviation sustainably. SAF slashes guests’ carbon footprints from arrival to departure.” Michael White, RSI’s CCO, called the initiative a “milestone in environmental stewardship.”
Since 2023, The Red Sea has hosted guests at five operational hotels. By 2030, the destination will feature 50 resorts, 8,000 rooms, and luxury amenities across 22 islands, all powered by renewable energy. RSI began domestic flights in September 2023 and launched international routes to Dubai in April 2024. This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s push for eco-conscious travel infrastructure.
