Tarom to use sustainable aviation fuel supplied by OMV Petrom

OMV Petrom and airline company Tarom signed a contract for the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It is the first contract for Romanian air transportation.

Starting January 1, 2025, OMV Petrom will supply Tarom with SAF at four airports in Romania, in line with the requirements of the RefuelEU Aviation Regulation.

SAF would be delivered to Henri Coandă International Airport Bucharest, Avram Iancu International Airport Cluj, Traian Vuia International Airport Timișoara, and Iași International Airport, OMV Petrom said.

According to the company, SAF, a fuel produced from renewable raw materials, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 80% throughout its entire life cycle when compared to conventional kerosene.

The RefuelEU Aviation Regulation introduced the requirement to use SAF

As part of the European Union’s Fit-for-55 initiative, the RefuelEU Aviation Regulation introduced the requirement to use SAF at a rate of 2% starting in 2025, with a gradual increase to 70% by 2050. The stipulated share for 2030 is 6%. It also mandates fuel suppliers to provide sustainable aviation fuel at airports within the EU.

The regulation, applicable to all member states, aims to support the transition to low-emission aviation and encourages the use of SAF as the main element for decarbonizing the aviation sector, the company added.

“OMV Petrom is committed to applying European standards and achieving targets for a more sustainable future. As part of Strategy 2030, we plan the largest investment in the decarbonization of transportation in Romania, over EUR 1 billion, including through the development of renewable fuels,” said Radu Căprău, member of the OMV Petrom Executive Board responsible for refining and marketing.

Iordache: Sustainability is becoming a central factor for the entire aviation industry

He recalled that this year the company made the final investment decision to build, at the Petrobrazi refinery, a production capacity of 250 kt/year of biodiesel and SAF. The production is scheduled for 2028.

According to Tarom’s General Manager Costin Iordache, sustainability is becoming a central factor for the entire aviation industry with requirements for using SAF coming into effect in 2025.

“Accelerating the use of sustainable aviation fuels is essential if we are to meet the environmental targets set for 2030, and the introduction of SAF for the Tarom fleet represents our firm commitment to adhering to European objectives,” he stated.