Sustainability gains momentum in Latin America

As the year draws to a close, we are seeing great progress on sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean. Recently, Brazil became the first country in Latin America to pass legislation to support aviation decarbonization. The country is a key player in the global energy transition and currently uses 48% renewable energy, well above the global average of 15%, reaching 84% in the electricity matrix. The recent approval of the Fuel of the Future Bill ‘ProBioQaV’ marks a significant milestone for the country's industry. The legislation sets progressive greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for the sector and aims to accelerate the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). Crucial public financial support from BNDES and Finep is also fostering the development of SAF projects in the country. 

The production of SAF will represent a further innovative step in Brazil's energy matrix, but also an economic opportunity, capitalizing on the country's leading expertise in the agricultural sector and as the world’s second largest producer of biofuels. Of course, the success of this transition will depend on overcoming challenges such as cost, infrastructure, and distribution of SAF. This will require close cooperation between the government, industry, and research institutions. However, by strengthening Brazil's commitment to decarbonization, the new law opens up significant opportunities for economic development in different regions and new job creation.

Hopefully this law will stimulate enough production to increase availability and lower prices, as the same law will require Brazilian airlines to incorporate SAF into their domestic flights from 2027, with an initial target of reducing emissions by 1%, rising to 10% by 2037.

For Airbus, sustainability means respecting the planet, valuing people and enabling prosperity. This approach is embedded in everything we do – from design to supply chain, manufacturing, aircraft operations, and end-of-life, from the front line to the back office. We believe that every single thing we do can make a difference, which is why we are proud that Airbus Chile, with the technical support of Solarity, has inaugurated its own solar panel system that covers 100% of the company's operations during working hours. The solar power system consists of more than 729 solar panels with a capacity of 343 kW, generating 519,161 kWh annually. This project will save 126 tons of CO2  per year. Supporting our Scope 1 and 2 ambitions to reduce our industrial footprint by up to 63% by 2030.

As we strive to enable prosperity, we have a responsibility to society and future generations. We are taking action globally to support communities with a focus on the most vulnerable, the environment, and young people. This year six Community Impact projects are underway in Latin America. These range from developing young people's STEM skills and improving their employability, to building solar luminaries and rainwater harvesting systems in vulnerable communities across the region, to a mangrove conservation project. In addition to this, I am also proud of the many volunteering and fundraising opportunities that employees in Latin America take part in. At Airbus, we believe that every contribution, no matter how small, builds a culture where small actions lead to big changes.