Norwich, UK – 24 May, 2023: Norwich Airport, part of leading UK regional airport operator Regional & City Airports (RCA), has announced the introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector.

The deal with Air bp, announced at the 2023 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in Geneva, sees SAF available at Norwich for the first time and it is already being used by Norwich-based SaxonAir, one of the UK’s leading non-scheduled aviation operators.

Andrew Bell, Chief Executive of Regional & City Airports, said: “The introduction of SAF at Norwich Airport is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to a low carbon future and we are delighted that SaxonAir has become our first customer. We are proud to be among just a handful of UK regional airports offering the choice of SAF to our aviation customers as a crucial step towards achieving a greener and more sustainable aviation sector.”

Alex Durand, Chief Executive Officer of SaxonAir commented: “SaxonAir is delighted to see the investment in a SAF supply at Norwich Airport. SAF provides a significant reduction in carbon emissions over the course of its lifecycle compared to the conventional jet fuel it replaces, which we will offer as part of our FBO service. Today’s SAF announcement, together with our electric aircraft demonstrates our commitment to decarbonisation.

“We look forward to other regional airports following Norwich Airport’s lead – as the UK’s longest standing combined VIP jet and helicopter charter operator, we want to increase the SAF uptake across all our aircraft.”

Martin Lane, UK General Aviation Account Manager, Air bp commented: “Air bp is pleased to be supplying SAF [on an ongoing basis] to Norwich Airport. It demonstrates their willingness to invest in SAF and collaborate to help drive demand. SAF remains one of the key routes to helping decarbonize the aviation industry. We will continue to work at pace to promote SAF availability, accessibility and affordability to support the industry in realising its low carbon ambitions.”

The SAF supplied by Air bp typically provides an 80% reduction in carbon emissions over its lifecycle compared to the conventional jet fuel it replaces. It is made from waste based sustainable feedstocks such as used cooking oil which is blended with traditional jet fuel. The SAF blend supplied to Norwich Airport is around 35%.  

About Norwich Airport

Norwich Airport is part of Regional & City Airports, the airport management division of Rigby Group plc, which also owns and operates Exeter Airport and Bournemouth Airport.

As well as daily connections to Amsterdam and a range of holiday flights, the airport is a key hub for the southern North Sea offshore oil and gas industry.

For more information contact:

Jason Clark, DCA Public Relations, jason.clark@dca-pr.co.uk, 07980-834368