Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in cooperation with Formula 1, Boeing Rolls-Royce and Neste performed a lower emission flypast at the 2021 Formula 1 season opener at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir yesterday night.
Gulf Air unveiled its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner at the 2018 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and today it is using Sustainable Aviation Fuel provided by Neste to conduct this years’ iconic flypast. Moreover, the airline launched its new corporate slogan – A class of our own – representing Gulf Air’s legacy over the years, highlighting its individuality and ambition to be the best in class while adding its unique touch to its products and services.
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft are scheduled on Gulf Air’s long-haul routes and are equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines which boast superior fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, consuming 20% less fuel and producing around 20% fewer emissions than the aircraft they replaced in Gulf Air’s previous fleet. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ provides an immediate solution for reducing the carbon emissions of flying. In neat form and over the life cycle, its use results in up to 80%*lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil jet fuel*.
Gulf Air, Captain Waleed AlAlawi, Acting Chief Executive Officer, said, “Each year, Gulf Air takes great pride in being the title sponsor of the Formula 1 race at the Bahrain International Circuit. This year, we will mark the beginning of the race with a truly special low emission flypast highlighting our future strategy to explore the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in our aircraft and standing by our commitment to lower our carbon emissions.”
Commenting on behalf of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, said, “This very positive move is very welcome and shows the commitment of the Kingdom of Bahrain to deliver a more sustainable future for the country. This is another example of how new technologies can make a real difference to our sport and the wider world and is an important part of our plan to be Net Zero Carbon as a sport by 2030.”
Commenting on behalf of Boeing, Omar Arekat, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Middle East, Africa and Turkey, said, “Climate change is one of the most fundamental challenges of our time, and the aviation industry is united in our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are proud that Gulf Air is using their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to showcase their commitment to sustainable air travel. Continued airplane fuel efficiency improvements and sustainable aviation fuels have the most immediate and greatest potential to reduce emissions for larger, longer-range airliners, while allowing the industry to meet their environmental goals, support long-term sustainable growth and improve regional economies.”
Commenting on behalf of Rolls-Royce, Omar Ali Adib, Vice President Customers, said, “Congratulations to Gulf Air. This is a great example of a successful partnership between Gulf Air, Boeing and ourselves. Drawing attention to the use of sustainable aviation fuel at a global event such as the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, really demonstrates how biofuels are already playing an increasing role with commercial aircraft engines like the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000. Aviation is a force for good, keeping the world connected, but we have to do that sustainably. Sustainable Aviation Fuel innovations are a major component in reducing emissions and a key pillar of our Pathway to Net Zero sustainability strategy.”
Commenting on behalf of Neste, Jonathan Wood, Vice President Renewable Aviation, said, “We are pleased to support Gulf Air and the aviation industry on its journey to significantly reduce emissions, and look forward to increasing the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in the Gulf region, given its leading role in the global aviation sector.”
*Calculation method: EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC
