Viva Aerobus to buy SAF from Neste

Viva Aerobus has agreed to purchase 1 million liters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from Finland’s Neste. The fuel will be used on Viva Aerobus flights from Los Angeles to Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.

SAF is made from feedstocks such as animal waste and crop residues, and is more expensive than conventional fuel but considered key in reducing carbon emissions from air travel.

Viva Aerobus and Neste said a blend using around 35% SAF mixed with conventional jet fuel would power the flights, which are expected to take off in the second half of the year.

Supply of the biofuel has largely been limited to the United States and Europe so far, though Latin America has shown interest.

Neste has been in talks with Mexican airport operator ASA and state-run oil producer Pemex to import or produce SAF in the country.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, an energy nationalist, has poured billions of dollars into Pemex during his administration, including opening a new refinery.

Pemex has faced intense international pressure to clean up its operations after recording massive methane leaks and excessive gas flaring.