The Use of Aviation Biofuels as an Airport Environmental Sustainability Measure: The Case of Oslo Gardermoen Airport

Abstract

<p>In recent times, there has been a growing trend by airports and airlines to use aviation biofuel as an environment sustainability measure. Using an instrumental qualitative case study research design, this paper examines the evolution of sustainable aviation fuels at Oslo Airport Gardermoen. Oslo Airport Gardermoen was the first airport in the world to offer the first airport in the world to offer aviation biofuels to all airlines in 2016. The qualitative data were examined by document analysis. The study found that the use of sustainable aviation biofuels has delivered tangible environmental benefits to Oslo Gardermoen Airport. The usage of aviation biofuels has enabled the airport, and the airlines using sustainable aviation biofuels, to reduce their greenhouse gases by 10-15%. Also, as part of Norway’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Norwegian Government have mandated that the aviation fuel industry must mix 0.5% advanced biofuel into jet fuel from 2020 onwards.  Norway’s Ministry of Climate and Environment’s goal is that by 2030, 30% of the airline fuel will be sustainable in nature and will have a positive climate effect. Avinor, the operator of Norway’s airports, has a goal that by 2030, 30 % of aviation fuel supplied in Norway should be sustainable biofuel – this follows the Norwegian government’s mandate.</p>