LATAM Colombia and Ecopetrol join forces to boost the production of sustainable aviation fuels

Based on a strategic partnership announced at Barranquilla International Airport, Ecopetrol and LATAM Colombia are committed to advancing the energy transition of the Colombian aviation sector with a focus on the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). This collaboration will allow the operation of more than 700 flights with 32 thousand barrels of co-processed Jet A1, containing 1% renewable raw materials. The project was designed in the context of increased connectivity needs and demands for more sustainable solutions in aviation. The fuel will be distributed at the airports of Barranquilla, Medellín, and San Andrés, and is scheduled to be used on LATAM Airlines flights. Adriana Abrão, CEO of Ca’arbom, highlighted the importance of the initiative, “We are excited about the partnership between Ecopetrol and LATAM, which represents a milestone for the use of sustainable fuels in aviation. This collaboration allows Brazil and Colombia to position themselves at the forefront of clean aviation.” The co-processed Jet A1 was produced at Ecopetrol’s Cartagena refinery and incorporates renewable raw materials such as palm oil and used cooking oil. This fuel meets the quality parameters established by the international standard ASTM D1655-24b, allowing its use in commercial aircraft without the need for modifications. According to the president of Ecopetrol, Ricardo Roa Barragán, “the production of this fuel is a significant step in promoting sustainable development in aviation. With our technology developed over more than 15 years, we seek not only to meet local demand, but also to lead in the development of a competitive SAF industry in the region.” Ecopetrol’s sustainable fuels program, which already has registered patents for its technologies, plans to ensure consistent SAF production with operations at the Barrancabermeja refinery as soon as regulations regarding feedstocks are established. LATAM Airlines has been promoting the development of sustainable fuels in Latin America for more than a decade. In 2013, the company carried out the first flight using SAF in Colombia, and since then, has worked with public and private partners to create the necessary conditions for the development of a regional industry. – https://aeroin.net/latam-colombia-e-ecopetrol-unem-forcas-para-impulsionar-a-producao-de-combustiveis-sustentaveis-de-aviacao/