Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris and aircraft manufacturer Airbus have formed a strategic alliance to advance the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Mexico. This marks a significant step toward greener air travel in Latin America.
The partnership was formalized through a Letter of Intent during the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) 2025 Climate and Aviation Week. Under the agreement, Volaris will contribute to ICAO’s Voluntary Environment Fund to support a feasibility study for SAF production in Mexico.
The study will be conducted via the SAF Assistance, Capacity Building and Training Program (ACT-SAF) in collaboration with Mexico’s Federal Civil Aeronautics Administration and Airports and Auxiliary Services.
Initiative Details
- The ICAO ACT-SAF program aids countries in developing their SAF potential by:
- Reviewing regulatory frameworks
- Assessing raw materials for production
- Providing implementation support
- This initiative complements Airbus-backed feasibility studies announced for Argentina, Panama, and Peru.
Sustainable aviation fuel serves as an alternative to conventional jet fuel, being produced from agricultural and waste feedstocks. The aviation industry is gradually increasing SAF adoption, with over 450,000 flights worldwide having already used blended SAF fuels.
Recent Milestones
In November 2023, the aviation industry achieved a milestone when Virgin Atlantic completed the world’s first transatlantic flight powered entirely by SAF, flying from London to New York using a Boeing 787. In the same month, Emirates Airlines conducted a demonstration flight with an Airbus A380 using SAF in one of its four engines.
For travelers concerned about the environmental impact of flying in Mexico, this initiative signals a potential shift toward more sustainable aviation practices in the country’s growing air travel market.
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