Finnair's new direction in climate action: less offsetting, more investments in sustainable aviation fuel

Finnair has set a new science-based climate target of improving its emission efficiency (CO2e/RTK) by 34.5 percent by 2033, with 2023 as the baseline year. The target has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), meaning it is in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the critically important 1.5-degree warming limit.

Eveliina Huurre, Finnair’s Senior vice president of Sustainability, says that Finnair must work diligently to achieve the goal.

"For over 100 years, Finnair has provided people a gateway to the world for relationships, culture, and trade. To continue to enjoy all the social and economic benefits that flying brings to our lives, we must reduce the impact of flying on the climate," says Huurre.

To achieve its goal, Finnair plans to use considerably more sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) than regulations require. Additionally, Finnair must continue to improve its operational fuel efficiency, optimize its network, and eventually invest in new aircraft technology. Achieving the goal does not include any carbon offsetting, which is a requirement set by SBTi for airlines' short-term climate goals.

Together towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

While setting its new climate goal, Finnair has also reviewed its long-term climate target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. After careful consideration, Finnair has decided to align its long-term climate ambition with the industry's united objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The decision is influenced by Finnair's new operational and financial position post-pandemic and the closure of Russian airspace, as well as the changing role of carbon offsetting in companies' climate work.

"Our old goal of carbon neutrality was largely based on offsetting carbon emissions. Now that our new SBTi target does not include any offsetting, and the industry's shared net-zero target estimates only about a fifth for it, it makes sense that Finnair's long-term goal is also aligned with this," Huurre says.

Achieving the net-zero goal is a challenging task that no single airline - and not even the airline industry - can accomplish alone. According to Huurre, broad collaboration is needed to reach the goal, as all the solutions are not even in place yet.

"In Finnair, we are now focused on achieving our own science-based climate goal over the next decade. At the same time, we work with the rest of the industry to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050," Huurre says.

Increasing SAF production is critical

To achieve its new climate goal by 2033, Finnair must use significantly more sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is a renewable alternative to fossil aviation fuel that is already in use. Since SAF is made from various wastes and residues instead of crude oil, it reduces CO2 emissions by an average of 80% compared to fossil aviation fuel during the fuel’s lifecycle.

In 2023, only 0.2 percent of the kerosene used by Finnair was SAF. How will the share be increased, Finnair's Head of Environment, Tuomo Karppinen?

"The share of SAF will rise in the coming years, but developments won't be rapid or linear, due to the availability and price of sustainable aviation fuel itself. Starting from next year, the jet fuel that we and other airlines refuel at major EU airports must contain at least 2% SAF. On top of mandated amounts, we aim to double the amount of voluntarily acquired SAF in 2025 compared to 2024. It's a concrete step towards achieving our SBTi target," Karppinen says.

Increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel accounts for over half of the achievement of Finnair's new climate goal.

"SAF is our most important tool, but its price and availability come with many challenges that Finnair cannot solve alone. We need to see swift progress in the SAF market to support the aviation industry's climate goals," Karppinen says.

To increase the amount of sustainable aviation fuel in Finnair’s flight operations, Finnair collaborates with its corporate and cargo customers. Businesses using Finnair's services for business travel or freight transport can participate in financing sustainable aviation fuel, thus reducing the CO2 emissions of flying associated to their operations.

"Companies receive certification for their voluntary emission reductions from the collaboration, and we can report increased use of sustainable aviation fuel. Together we also provide SAF producers with visibility into growing markets," Karppinen says.

Private customers can also support the use of sustainable aviation fuel on Finnair flights. 

"Even a small contribution is important so that the aviation industry can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels," Karppinen continues.