Nigerian Airline Operators have called on the government to consider using other fuel sources in Nigeria, saying the country is mature enough to find alternatives for aviation fuel (JetAI), considering the high cost of imports.
They made the call in Abuja at a meeting on developing and using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Low Carbon Available Fuel, and other transparent fuel sources in Nigeria.
According to the data, in 2021 and 2022, Nigeria’s palm oil production averaged 1.4 million metric tonnes and 1.3 million MT in 2020.
Captain Roland Iyayi, the CEO of Topbrass Aviation Limited who spoke on behalf of Airline Operators of Nigeria, said the country is in a better place to drive alternative fuel sources for the aviation industry by exploring palm oil, Legit reports.
The operators are calling for alternative sources due to the sharp increase in the product’s price, currently selling at N1000 per litre. Iyayi revealed that operators in the industry are keenly following trends in the industry, especially talks around sustainable aviation fuel and its vast opportunity for Nigeria, as the main component of sustainable aviation fuel is palm oil.
He stated that fuel constitutes 40% of operating costs for every airline, and with the product selling at N1000 per litre, airlines can longer cope
He said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) should champion sustainable fuel and provide a bigger picture that the economy can grow by providing a comparative advantage.
The Topbrass Aviation Limited boss said there is available technology and raw material that Nigeria can exploit and lead the world in alternative aviation fuel.
According to the operators, the unavailability of foreign exchange has made the importation of aviation fuel challenging.
