The exhibition echoed the international organisation’s mission to reduce single-use plastic products, spotlighting Emirates’ and dnata’s efforts and approach to ‘Consuming Responsibly’ through sourcing, reusing, repurposing, and reducing plastic and other materials.

This year’s exhibition showcased initiatives that are driving impact across the organisation, including projects at both Emirates and dnata being implemented with like-minded partners and across departments and businesses like engineering, catering, cargo, airport operations, travel, service delivery, and others.

On the conference stage, employees heard about the work Emirates, dnata and partners are doing to advance sustainable practices, with panellists from Emirates Engineering, Flight Operations, Service Delivery, Emirates SkyCargo and dnata Technical Services in addition to a powerful lineup of industry partners like the University of Cambridge, the UAE GCAA, Airbus, Boeing, ENOC, Cobus Industries GmbH, TLD, Mallaghan, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce and Dubai Airports contributing to discussions.

Speaking at the opening of ‘Tomorrow Takes Flight’, Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ Deputy President & Chief Operations Officer said: “Today's event celebrates our sustainability journey while educating and inspiring our people through the showcased initiatives and meaningful discussions on sustainable practices. Environmental responsibility is essential to achieving our objectives as an airline and as an industry, and it supports the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

With governments and communities demanding meaningful action, collective responsibility across the entire ecosystem is vital. Emirates is making progress with emissions reduction projects across our operations, and we’re actively pursuing programmes that conserve resources through recycling and responsible sourcing. Collaboration with industry partners will be crucial in the years ahead to enhance the recyclability of materials across the supply chain.

We’re also encouraging our teams to build on the success of existing initiatives and push boundaries to develop new approaches that address the full spectrum of operational waste, and today is a great example of these drives. From cabin materials and catering to ground operations and maintenance, every touchpoint presents an opportunity to minimise environmental impact.”

Steve Allen, dnata’s CEO, added: “Sustainability is a fundamental part of how we operate as a global business. It shapes the decisions we make, the investments we prioritise, and the standards we set for ourselves and our partners.

“We are driving progress through action: investing in renewable energy infrastructure at our facilities, accelerating the shift to electric ground support equipment, and collaborating with alternative fuel suppliers to lower emissions. At the same time, we’re tackling food waste, promoting responsible consumption, and expanding recycling programmes as part of a broader shift toward circular resource management.

“These initiatives are united by a clear ambition: to grow responsibly while delivering meaningful, lasting impact. This commitment is reflected in our team's innovative, creative solutions and community partnerships, extending our efforts well beyond our core operations.

“It was a pleasure to highlight dnata’s initiatives to colleagues and partners through this unique event - a great opportunity to celebrate progress, share ideas, and strengthen the sense of purpose behind our sustainability journey.”

When there is a match, airlines and suppliers can connect and take their negotiation offline to agree on specific terms including price and payment terms.

Specifically, the SAF Matchmaker addresses three critical issues:

Efficiency: The availability of a central platform will simplify SAF procurement by making it easier and faster for all parties to connect without additional fees. It will therefore facilitate further development of the voluntary market for SAF purchasing.

Connectivity: SAF producers and suppliers can post available or planned SAF volumes while airlines are able to register their interest in purchasing shown or desired SAF volumes. Subsequent trades will take place outside the platform.

Visibility: The platform carries comprehensive information regarding the available SAF, such as volumes, feedstock used, the location and technology of production, the emissions reductions, as well as compliance with the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) or the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED).

“To reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, we need an accessible, transparent, liquid, and efficient SAF market. The SAF Matchmaker is another example of the work that IATA is putting in place to create a fully functioning market for SAF. The SAF Matchmaker platform will accelerate the uptake of SAF by reducing the costs and complexity that airlines face when searching for SAF suppliers,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president sustainability and chief economist.

The award recognising its transaction that integrated a sustainability-linked loan structure into a multi-currency JOLCO financing model for the acquisition of two next-generation, fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo aircraft.

This innovative transaction, arranged by Societe Generale, links the financing terms to Turkish Airlines’ Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs), particularly the goal of reducing carbon intensity across its fleet.

Commenting on the award, Turkish Airlines’ Member of the Board and the Executive Committee, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Assoc. Prof. Murat Şeker, said: “We are proud to receive this international recognition for incorporating a sustainability-driven financing structure in our aircraft financing strategy. We believe this structure not only supports our fleet renewal and growth objectives, but also reinforces our long-term commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral airline by 2050.”

This includes knowledge sharing, training, and joint participation in environmental programmes.

Captain Sulaiman Almuhaimidi, executive vice president of Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at GACA, welcomed this alliance, stated: “Today marks an important step in our commitment to a sustainable future for aviation in the Kingdom.

“Through this collaboration with Airbus, we aim not only to meet the challenges of decarbonising aviation but also to strengthen local capabilities through knowledge sharing and skills development for the next generation to lead by example in shaping a greener, more resilient air transport sector for generations to come.”

Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in Middle East and Africa, said: “This partnership with GACA marks a significant step forward in our shared commitment to building a more sustainable future for aviation.

“At Airbus, we are honoured to support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and its ambition for a more environmentally responsible aviation sector through innovative technologies, sustainable aviation solutions, and long-term collaboration,” said Semelas. “Together, we aim to accelerate the decarbonisation of air transport in the region and beyond.”

His Excellency Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, GACA President, highlighted the importance of attending the Paris Air Show. “We are showcasing Saudi Arabia’s aviation progress and the scale of opportunities available. With our strategic location, modern infrastructure, and ambitious goals, we are positioning the Kingdom as a global connector. Saudi Arabia provides opportunities for global aviation investors, with the Saudi Aviation Strategy unlocking $100 billion in infrastructure projects.”

According to a GACA press statement: “The news coming out of Paris today further reiterates the Saudi Aviation Strategy, which is committed to creating unprecedented growth opportunities, tripling passenger numbers to 330 million and doubling the Kingdom’s connectivity to 250 destinations by 2030.”

That news included orders for Airbus aircraft from lessor Avilease and start-up carrier Riyadh Air.

GACA, along with key national aviation entities including Matarat, Riyadh Air, Saudia Airlines, Flynas, the Saudi Aviation Academy, and the Saudi Industrial Center, are leading the largest ever Saudi delegation to the 2025 Paris Air Show.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports said this is a ‘key milestone’ in its ongoing sustainability agenda and a major step towards energy-efficient operations at both of Dubai’s airports.

This newly signed phase will see over 180,000 conventional lighting fixtures replaced with energy-saving alternatives across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), with Concourse A at DXB being the largest single area covered. Combined with the first phase completed earlier and covering 150,000 lighting units at DXB, the project will upgrade more than 330,000 lighting units in total, making it one of the most extensive airport lighting retrofit initiatives in the region.

The project is expected to cut annual energy consumption by 47 million kilowatt-hours (kWh), equivalent to powering over 4,300 homes for an entire year, a significant result that highlights the real-world impact of operational sustainability. The initiative will also deliver annual cost savings of more than AED 20 million, contributing to Dubai Airports’ efforts to optimise efficiency while supporting Dubai’s wider environmental targets.

Griffiths said: “In partnership with Etihad ESCO and DEWA, this project highlights the power of collaboration in achieving measurable sustainability results. Airports are significant energy consumers, and that gives us both the opportunity and the responsibility to lead meaningful change. This lighting project goes beyond efficiency upgrades; it is about embedding sustainability into the core of our day-to-day operations. Every kilowatt-hour saved moves us closer to reducing our environmental impact and building a more resilient future. It sets the benchmark for what a truly sustainable airport can and should achieve.”

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said: “Aligned with the UAE’s commitment to climate change resilience and sustainable growth, DEWA is dedicated to supporting Dubai’s journey towards a green economy. This aligns with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. The partnership between Dubai Airports and Etihad ESCO is a prime example of our collective efforts to promote energy efficiency, reduce emissions and advance Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy. Through initiatives like this large-scale retrofit, we are actively building a greener, more resilient future to support our country’s needs and ambitions.”

Dr Waleed Alnuaimi, CEO of Etihad Energy Services Company, added: “At Etihad ESCO, we are driven by the mission to transform Dubai’s infrastructure as an outstanding example of energy efficiency and sustainability. This final phase of the lighting retrofit project with Dubai Airports is a testament to how strategic partnerships and innovative solutions can deliver measurable impact – from substantial energy savings to a reduced carbon footprint. It reaffirms our shared vision of making Dubai a global leader in sustainable development.”

Installation work is scheduled to begin later this year and conclude by H2 2027.

It will provide comprehensive ground handling services for all airlines operating at the airport, in compliance with the highest operational and environmental sustainability standards that set a new benchmark for operational excellence in the Kingdom.

"Our partnership with Saudi Ground Services (SGS) underpins the operational and sustainable backbone of RSI, as we prepare to welcome the world. The airport will soon be powered entirely on renewable energy, pioneering innovative solutions to eliminate carbon emissions in compliance with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Partnering with a company of SGS’s calibre ensures that every aspect of our guests’ journey is seamless from the moment they arrive,” said Andy Tyler-Smith, CEO of Red Sea International Airport.

“We are proud to be the strategic partner of daa International in providing ground handling services at Red Sea International Airport, one of the Kingdom’s most prominent national projects that embodies its ambitions in tourism and sustainable development. Our services at new airports such as RSI reaffirm our commitment to contributing effectively to achieving the objectives of Vision 2030 and supporting the integrated air transport and tourism ecosystem.”

Through this agreement, SGS will be responsible for delivering passenger services both within the terminal and at The Red Sea resorts, overseeing all apron operations including aircraft marshalling, pushback, towing, and ground power connection, as well as managing baggage handling. In addition, the agreement outlines a robust pricing structure, positioning the RSI Airport among the most competitively serviced airports in Saudi Arabia.

“I think all of the panel discussions were acknowledging that this is not something we can ignore, but I think there is great concern that we're not making sufficient progress, not as airlines, but as the value chain that needs to support the airlines transitioning to net zero in 2050, and that's the reason we're calling it out,” explained Walsh.

“We clearly want to see more coordinated action on the part of governments. I think we're not being helped by countries and regions with mandates without accompanying incentives to stimulate production.

“I think we've been able to demonstrate that mandates have not done anything to promote the additional production of SAF but have merely added additional costs,” continued Walsh.

“With no environmental benefit, and that's a great concern to all the [airline] CEOs, I think we're also concerned that a number of the key players who have said nice words about net zero in 2050 aren't matching those words with actions.”

During the AGM, IATA has heavily criticised the oil majors for reining back on investing in the energy transition and cutting back their SAF production plans.“We have made clear from the very beginning that the airline industry will not be able to achieve net zero in 2050 unless everybody in the wider value chain supports the industry in doing that.

“I've used the word sounding the alarm. I think it is a wakeup call,” he stressed. “We still have time to get there, but we do need to see more action on the parts of all of the partners in the value chain to make sure that the industry can get there.”

The agreement will enable Air bp to support Sonangol’s development plans with a range of bespoke technical services.

As part of this agreement, Air bp will provide engineering integrity, operability and efficiency expertise in relation to fuel infrastructure at Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto International Airport (NBJ) in Luanda. Air bp’s technical services also include online training, workshops, a suite of operations and maintenance processes, access to digital tools and airfield automation.

Air bp first entered Africa 80 years ago and continues to provide fuel and assist customers in assuring its operations.

Gethin Jones, Technical Services Director, Air bp said: “This is a well-established model, which has been successful in many countries. We leverage our world class technical leadership and local language capability where possible across all aspects of aviation. By fostering deep cooperation with local organisations, together we can provide assurance, whilst building internal capability to support them to develop their aviation business and deliver successful projects. It also allows local companies to optimise their resources and ensure the highest standards are in place.”

Mauro Graça, CEO of Sonangol DC, said: “We are excited about this collaboration with Air bp, which brings with it extensive experience and technical expertise. This agreement will not only strengthen our ability to provide high-quality aviation services but also enable us to maximise our operational efficiency and ensure compliance with the highest operational and environmental safety standards. Together, we are committed to support the growth of the aviation sector in Angola and positioning Sonangol as a key player in the African market.”

“While it is encouraging that SAF production is expected to double to 2 million tonnes in 2025, that is just 0.7% of aviation’s total fuel needs. And even that relatively small amount will add $4.4 billion globally to the fuel bill. The pace of progress in ramping up production and gaining efficiencies to reduce costs must accelerate,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

The Problem with the Use of Mandates 

Most SAF is now heading toward Europe, where the EU and UK mandates kicked in on 1 January 2025. Unacceptably, the cost of SAF to airlines has now doubled in Europe because of compliance fees that SAF producers or suppliers are charging. For the expected one million tonnes of SAF that will be purchased to meet the European mandates in 2025, the expected cost at current market prices is $1.2 billion. Compliance fees are estimated to add an additional $1.7 billion on top of market prices—an amount that could have abated an additional 3.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions. Instead of promoting the use of SAF, Europe’s SAF mandates have made SAF five times more costly than conventional jet fuel.

“This highlights the problem with the implementation of mandates before there are sufficient market conditions and before safeguards are in place against unreasonable market practices that raise the cost of decarbonisation. Raising the cost of the energy transition that is already estimated to be a staggering $4.7 trillion should not be the aim or the result of decarbonisation policies. Europe needs to realise that its approach is not working and find another way,” said Walsh.

Focus on India 

India, one of the emerging economies on the world stage today, is the third-largest oil user after the US and China. India launched the Global Biofuels Alliance to position biofuels as a key to energy transition and economic growth. This includes a target for 2% SAF blending for international flights by 2028 with enabling policies such as guaranteed pricing, capital support for new projects, and technical standards. IATA will be working with the Indian Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) and Praj Industries Limited, to provide guidance on global best practices for life cycle assessment of the use of feedstocks in the country.

As the third-largest global civil aviation market, India can strengthen its leadership in biofuels with the accelerated adoption of SAF through progressive policies.

On May 8, 2025, AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly met with Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman of EgyptAir Holding Company, in Cairo to discuss new opportunities for collaboration, focusing on providing advanced aircraft to enhance EgyptAir’s regional and global competitiveness.

AerCap currently finances 28 aircraft in EgyptAir’s fleet, including Boeing B777-300ERs, Airbus A320/321neos, and Boeing B787-9s.

Discussions addressed global aviation trends, including rising demand for aircraft leasing amid delivery delays, and explored future projects to align with EgyptAir’s plans to modernise its fleet with fuel-efficient, technologically advanced models.

“EgyptAir is a key partner in Africa and the Middle East, and we are proud to support their ambitious growth strategy,” said Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap. “Our collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensuring EgyptAir remains a leader in global aviation.”

Captain Ahmed Adel emphasised AerCap’s role as a strategic partner, noting that nearly 40% of EgyptAir’s fleet operates under leasing agreements with AerCap. “This partnership enables us to integrate cutting-edge aircraft, supporting our goals of operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and an elevated customer experience,” Adel stated.