Vivo Energy Maroc and Royal Air Maroc have launched the first carbon-neutral flight between Morocco and Europe, fueled by Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), they announced in a joint communiqué on Thursday. The historic flight, operated by Royal Air Maroc, departed from Marrakech and landed in Paris on Thursday, February 20, 2025. This milestone flight is the result of a strategic partnership between Vivo Energy Maroc and Royal Air Maroc, emphasizing their shared commitment to accelerating the energy transition in air transport. Flight AT740, which traveled from Marrakech Menara Airport to Paris-Orly, reinforces Morocco's position as a leader in the use of sustainable fuels in Africa, especially as European regulations mandate a minimum of 2% SAF for refueling starting in 2025. The Boeing 737 NG, carrying 151 passengers, took off from Marrakech at 4:20 p.m. for the three-hour journey to Paris. «This delivery of SAF represents a major step in our commitment to decarbonizing the aviation sector. As a key player in fuel distribution in Morocco, we are proud to contribute to the country's energy transition», said Matthias de Larminat, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Maroc. «This joint initiative between Royal Air Maroc and Vivo Energy Maroc demonstrates our commitment to responsible aviation with a reduced carbon impact. The use of SAF on this Marrakech-Paris flight is a first between Morocco and Europe», added Hamid Addou, Chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc. Vivo Energy Maroc supplied a blend of renewable synthetic components and conventional fuel, reducing CO2 emissions by 10 tonnes on the flight. SAF, produced from renewable raw materials like biomass and used oils, reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to conventional fuel. Importantly, SAF can be used directly in existing aircraft engines without requiring technical modifications, offering a viable solution for decarbonizing air transport.
