Norwegian Operates First Danish Domestic Route Using 40% SAF

A Norwegian Air Shuttle (DY) flight from Aalborg to Copenhagen has become Denmark's first domestic service to operate with a high blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking a significant step in the country's national decarbonization strategy. The flight utilized a 40% blend of SAF produced from used cooking oil, demonstrating the operational viability of biofuels ahead of broader European mandates.

The initiative is a cornerstone of the Danish government's green aviation plan, which aims to establish the first fully sustainable domestic route by 2025 and transition all domestic aviation to green operations by 2030. According to the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities, this flight is the first tangible result of a policy backed by substantial government investment. The government has allocated 800 million kroner ($125 million) for its green aviation plan between 2025 and 2029, partially funded by a new Danish Air Passenger Eco-Tax introduced in 2023.

This pioneering flight was enabled by a state aid scheme designed to bridge the significant cost gap between SAF and conventional jet fuel. The European Commission recently approved a €36 million Danish state aid program specifically to promote SAF use on domestic routes. The scheme's objective, as outlined in an official European Commission press release, is to support at least one domestic route using a 40% SAF blend until December 31, 2027.

A Milestone for Danish Aviation

The selected route between Aalborg Airport (AAL) and Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is one of Denmark's busiest domestic corridors. Norwegian operates approximately 4,100 flights annually on this sector, making it a high-impact choice for demonstrating the potential of SAF. The fuel for the inaugural flight was a hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) biofuel derived from used cooking oil, currently the most common type of commercially available SAF.

Industry leaders lauded the collaborative effort. "It's important to us that we take part in the transition supported by the Danish government," stated Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian Air Shuttle. "The infrastructure is there in Aalborg and the way the Danish government is helping out is a good incentive." Niels Hemmingsen, CEO of Aalborg Airport, added, “We are proud that Denmark's first 'green domestic route' will become a reality from Aalborg Airport. It is an important step in aviation's sustainable transition and clear proof that cross-industry collaboration can drive real change,” as noted in the airport's official announcement.

Broader European Context

Denmark's 40% blend significantly outpaces the requirements of the European Union's landmark ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. This EU-wide policy mandates a minimum 2% SAF blend for all flights departing from EU airports starting in 2025. The mandate is set to increase progressively, reaching 70% by 2050, and includes specific sub-targets for more advanced synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, from 2030.

While a crucial step, the high cost of SAF remains a major barrier to widespread adoption. Current market data indicates SAF is between two and five times more expensive than conventional kerosene. This price disparity underscores the importance of government subsidies and incentives, like the Danish scheme, in the early stages of the transition. The long-term industry focus is shifting towards Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels, which are synthesized using green hydrogen and captured carbon and are considered more scalable than biofuels derived from feedstocks like cooking oil.

Why This Matters

This flight serves as a critical proof-of-concept for high-blend SAF usage in regular commercial operations. It demonstrates a successful model of government-industry partnership, using targeted subsidies to accelerate decarbonization efforts beyond baseline regulatory minimums. For the aviation industry, the Aalborg-Copenhagen route provides valuable operational data and sets a precedent for other nations looking to fast-track their own green transition plans.

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