SOCAR Türkiye is launching Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) trading to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions in aviation. The first commercial step is being taken with Turkish Airlines (THY).
SOCAR Türkiye has announced that it has decided to launch Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) trading in order to accelerate sustainability-oriented transformation in the energy sector and contribute to the reduction of aviation-related carbon emissions.
In line with its approach to supporting the development of the SAF ecosystem, the company aims to contribute to transformation steps aimed at reducing emissions in aviation by strengthening collaborations with sector stakeholders.
First Commercial Step in SAF Collaboration with THY
Within this scope, SOCAR Türkiye and Turkish Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 August 2025 covering cooperation in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). With this agreement, the two institutions agreed on sustainability-focused strategic steps in the energy and aviation sectors.
The first SAF commercial operation to be implemented constitutes a concrete and critical phase of this cooperation.
“The SAF Initiative Is a Concrete Reflection of Our Vision”
SOCAR Türkiye CEO Elchin Ibadov emphasised that sustainability is at the centre of the company’s way of doing business. Ibadov made the following statements:
“We regard sustainability as one of the fundamental elements of our way of doing business and act with a transformation approach that takes environmental and social impacts into account. Our extensive know-how in the energy sector and our integrated business model enable us to take concrete steps towards a sustainable future.
Our Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiative, which we carry out with the capacity, R&D strength and digital capability of our group company STAR Refinery, is an important reflection of this vision. We believe that our activities in the field of jet fuel will develop further in the coming period and pave the way for new collaborations. As SOCAR Türkiye, we will continue our efforts with determination, placing environmental and social benefit at the centre.”
SAF Is One of the Key Elements of Emission Reduction in Aviation
Produced in accordance with the sustainability criteria set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can provide significantly lower life-cycle emissions compared to conventional jet fuel, depending on suitable feedstocks and life-cycle assessment (LCA) conditions.
HEFA-based SAF, obtained from renewable sources such as used cooking oils and other biological waste, stands out as one of the most important tools defined within international emission reduction frameworks in the aviation sector.
SOCAR Türkiye’s step in this field is of strategic importance both in terms of contributing to Türkiye’s sustainable aviation targets and in opening the door to a new era in energy–aviation integration.
