Sustainable Aviation: TUI Welcomes First 737 MAX 8 Flight on Bio Jet Fuel

TUI recently welcomed its first ever 737 MAX 8 delivery flight on bio jet fuel, an important part of the company’s commitment to the future of sustainable aviation.

The flight from the Boeing manufacture in Seattle to Stockholm was performed with 30 percent blend biofuel. “It was one of the most carbon-efficient flights ever accomplished by this aircraft type,” the company said in an announcement.

The 737 MAX 8 was the second delivery of this aircraft to the leading tourism business, this time to TUI Nordic. “We are committed to collaborating on projects and partnerships that help scale up sustainable aviation fuels. Seeing the Nordic countries at the forefront of sustainable development, it is very fitting that our very first MAX flight on bio jet fuel touched ground here”, said Alex Huber, managing director of TUI Nordic.

The massively successful 737 MAX is considered the latest in aviation technology. This aircraft type has 14 percent lower kerosene consumption and therefore 14 percent lower carbon emissions compared to the aircraft of this size previously operated by TUI fly. The aircraft has also a 40 percent smaller noise footprint supporting TUI’s commitment in aviation to sustainability.

“Biofuel represents a significant opportunity for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint and achieving its environmental goals… This 737 MAX delivery flight is a further demonstration of TUI’s interest in bringing price competitive biofuel to market”, said Sean Newsum, director of environmental strategy at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

By the end of 2018, a total of nine 737 MAX 8 will be delivered to the airlines of TUI Group in Belgium, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. TUI Group has ordered a total of 72 new aircraft to renew its narrow-body aircraft fleet by 2023.