First Carbon-Neutral Flight from Marrakech to Paris Achieved Through the Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Vivo Energy Morocco and Royal Air Maroc launched the very first flight connecting Morocco to Europe, completely carbon-neutral, powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), on Thursday.
The flight, operated by Royal Air Maroc, linked Marrakech to Paris, utilizing a Boeing 737 NG that carried 151 passengers. The aircraft took off from Marrakech Menara Airport at 4:20 PM for a three-hour journey, arriving at Paris-Orly Airport.
This initiative represents a strong commitment from both companies towards a more sustainable aviation sector in Morocco while supporting responsible tourism. As Morocco has become a leading tourist destination in Africa, it is solidifying its position in the realm of sustainability.
This progress follows a strategic partnership between Vivo Energy Morocco and Royal Air Maroc aimed at accelerating the energy transition within the aviation sector. Flight AT740, connecting Marrakech to Paris-Orly, also symbolizes Morocco’s role as a pioneer in the use of sustainable fuels in Africa. Indeed, European regulations mandate a minimum of 2% SAF from 2025 for fuel replenishments carried out on European soil.
Matthias de Larminat, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Morocco, emphasized that “this delivery of SAF represents a significant step forward in our commitment to decarbonizing the aviation sector. As a key player in fuel distribution in Morocco, we are proud to actively contribute to the country’s energy transition.”
Hamid Addou, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, added that “this joint initiative aims to demonstrate our commitment to more responsible aviation and a reduced carbon footprint. The use of SAF for this flight marks a first between Morocco and Europe.”
As part of this operation, Vivo Energy Morocco provided a blend combining a synthetic renewable component with conventional fuel, allowing for a reduction of 10 tons of CO2 emissions for this flight. The use of SAF resulted in approximately one-third reduction of the flight’s total emissions.
The sustainable aviation fuel utilized in this operation is produced from renewable raw materials, such as biomass, used oils, or municipal waste. This type of fuel can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% throughout its lifecycle compared to traditional fuel. Moreover, it can be directly used in existing aircraft engines without technical modifications, making it an immediately deployable solution for decarbonizing air transport.
This initiative aligns with Vivo Energy Morocco’s sustainable development strategy, which continues to invest in innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of the transportation sector. The company continues to support its clients and partners in their energy transition, thus reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable mobility.
Certified as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Vivo Energy Morocco affirms its commitment to sustainable and eco-citizen development. It actively supports educational initiatives and engages in concrete actions to promote sustainability and environmental protection.
For its part, Royal Air Maroc is also undertaking numerous actions in favor of sustainable development, such as generating electricity from photovoltaic panels, reducing energy consumption, and waste sorting. These efforts have enabled the airline to obtain several certifications, including the CSR label awarded by CGEM.
This flight marks an important milestone in the collaboration between Vivo Energy Morocco and Royal Air Maroc, aimed at decarbonizing air transport and addressing global climate change objectives.
