Airbus delivers Air France’s 46th A220 with 50% sustainable aviation fuel on delivery flight

Air France has taken delivery of its 46th Airbus A220-300, which flew from Mirabel, Canada, to Paris powered by a blend containing 50% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Named “VAISON-LA-ROMAINE”, the aircraft’s delivery flight on Augus 25 represented a reduction of more than 25 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.

The event also marked the first time Airbus in Canada issued official Proofs of Sustainability (PoS) directly to a customer, a key milestone in boosting transparency and supporting the industry’s decarbonisation efforts.

According to Blaise Brigaud, Air France-KLM’s SVP Group Sustainability, combining fleet renewal with SAF is the most effective way to cut emissions. “Air France-KLM is among the world’s largest buyers of SAF. Directly receiving SAF at delivery is a game-changer, increasing transparency and driving industry progress,” he said.

Expanding SAF use at Airbus sites

Since introducing SAF supply at its Mirabel facility for A220 production, test, and delivery flights, Airbus has strengthened its commitment to using the fuel across all of its final assembly lines and delivery centers worldwide.

Benoît Schultz, CEO of Airbus Canada, said the Mirabel site aims to cut about 400 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2025 by integrating 170,000 liters of pure SAF. He added that 78% of Airbus aircraft delivered in the first half of 2025 included a SAF blend, highlighting its growing role in fleet deliveries.

Like all Airbus aircraft, the A220 is already certified to operate with up to 50% SAF, with the goal of achieving 100% capability by 2030. The SAF supplied in Mirabel is certified under ICAO’s CORSIA scheme, ensuring up to 85% reduction in lifecycle emissions compared to fossil fuels.

Air France has ordered a total of 60 A220-300s, with the type already serving its medium-haul network since 2021. The airline’s 50th aircraft is expected later this year.

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