This initiative marks a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector. Through this partnership, OMV Petrom and Cluj International Airport reaffirm their commitment to advancing the energy transition and promoting sustainable aviation solutions.
Beginning January 2025, aircraft departing from Cluj airport—Romania's second-largest airport—will be fueled with aviation fuel blended with 2% SAF, significantly reducing their environmental impact. In the first two months of the year, nearly 1,800 flights operated with this fuel, covering all airport departures.
“We are proud to contribute to the introduction of sustainable aviation fuel at Cluj International Airport. SAF is produced from renewable raw materials, such as vegetable oils and animal fats, processed through advanced technologies to create fuels with properties similar to conventional kerosene. At OMV Petrom, we have initiated a EUR 750 million investment project to build production facilities for such fuels at the Petrobrazi refinery, with operations set to start in 2028. We believe Romania can become a regional hub for sustainable aviation fuels,” stated Radu Căprău, Executive Board Member of OMV Petrom, responsible for Refining and Marketing.
David Ciceo, General Manager of Cluj International Airport, emphasized: “Together with OMV Petrom, we have initiated the process of fueling aircraft at Cluj Airport with sustainable aviation fuels. This achievement is a significant step toward reducing carbon emissions and supporting cleaner air transport, aligning with our environmental commitments.”
In 2024, Cluj International Airport, Romania's largest regional airport and second overall after Otopeni, served nearly 3.3 million passengers. As part of its broader sustainability efforts, the airport has also acquired two electric aircraft de-icing/anti-icing vehicles and an electric bus for passenger transport from the terminal to aircraft, further reducing its carbon footprint.
Sustainable aviation fuels are derived from renewable materials such as used oils and animal fats. Through advanced refining techniques and the use of green hydrogen, SAF is processed to exhibit properties similar to conventional kerosene. SAF can be integrated directly into existing aircraft and airport infrastructure and offers a potential lifecycle carbon reduction of up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. Its widespread adoption is key to achieving the aviation industry's carbon reduction targets.
Under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, all European Union airports are required to use a minimum of 2% SAF starting January 1, 2025, with the proportion set to gradually increase to 6% by 2030.
