Victor And Neste Lead In MENA's Private Aviation Sector With SAF Initiative

Victor, in collaboration with Neste, the world's foremost producer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), has announced a strategic initiative to transform the business aviation landscape across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This initiative is centred on promoting the adoption of SAF, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions in aviation. Having recently moved its headquarters to Abu Dhabi, Victor is not only reaffirming its commitment to the MENA region but is also placing a strong emphasis on climate action within these markets.

The company's innovative 'Pay Here, Use There' model enables customers to purchase Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ for every private jet booking, irrespective of the departure airport. This model has seen a positive response, with 1 in 5 private aircraft charterers willing to pay an additional c.4,500 AED for SAF per booking, achieving an average carbon emission reduction of 1.5 tonnes. Moreover, Victor aims for at least 20% of its MENA customers to opt for SAF by 2024, demonstrating a proactive approach to environmental sustainability.

Toby Edwards, co-CEO of Victor, highlighted the urgent need for credible climate action, referencing the global temperature increase and the potentially catastrophic economic impact of exceeding a 2°C rise. Victor's partnership with Neste, signed in June 2022, is a testament to their joint effort in reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%, offering a practical solution to the aviation industry's environmental challenges. This collaboration has already facilitated 427 SAF bookings, resulting in a total CO2 reduction of 653 tonnes, showcasing tangible steps towards sustainable aviation.

Victor's commitment to climate action extends beyond business aviation, aiming to influence the commercial aviation industry and support the development of e-SAF by 2030. The company believes its influential clientele can significantly contribute to raising SAF awareness within key industries and geopolitical networks in the region. The initiative aligns with the UAE's vision for economic diversification, sustainable development, and achieving Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050, marking a significant step in Victor's strategic focus on climate action within the MENA markets.

The adoption of SAF is essential for the aviation industry to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050, with SAF expected to contribute to around 65% of the required emission reductions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Victor's efforts, in partnership with Neste, aim to accelerate SAF demand, enabling flyers to take tangible steps towards environmental sustainability. This initiative reflects a growing environmental consciousness among the region's elite flyers, demanding more environmentally sustainable travel solutions.