Aeroflot and Gazprom Neft Are Joining Forces to Create a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry in Russia.

(Aeroflot (Google Translation)) Aeroflot and Gazprom Neft agreed to expand cooperation in the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF, LCAF) in Russia. The companies signed the agreement at the RuCORS International Aviation Fuel Forum in St. Petersburg, which brought together representatives of the aviation industry, government agencies, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the scientific community.

The collaboration will encompass all Aeroflot Group airlines—Aeroflot, Rossiya, and Pobeda. The project focuses on developing the production of next-generation, low-carbon aviation fuel in Russia, as well as establishing a certification and accounting system for it in accordance with international ICAO requirements.

For Aeroflot, participation in the project represents strategic preparation for a new stage of international air transport regulation. The companies will create a comprehensive solution that will enable Russian aviation to comply with international environmental requirements and maintain competitiveness in international markets.

As part of the agreement, the parties will jointly develop a resource-economic model for the production and use of sustainable fuels across the entire value chain—from raw materials to end consumers—to assess the impact of new solutions on the industry and air travel costs. They will also explore government support mechanisms and funding sources for the creation of industrial capacity in Russia to produce low-carbon aviation fuel.

In addition, the companies plan to conduct pilot refuelings with sustainable fuel to refine international reporting mechanisms and prepare Russian solutions for global market operation.

Viktor Kuzmin , Director of the Business Analysis and Strategic Development Department at Aeroflot: "The introduction of new types of aviation fuel is a long-term process, for which it's important for airlines to prepare in advance. For Aeroflot, it's important to understand what these fuels will be, when they will become available, and how they will fit into our route network. The signed agreement will allow us, together with Gazprom Neft, to establish a foundation for such planning and determine the prospects for using SAF and LCAF in Russian air travel."

Levan Kadagidze , Head of the Commercial Department of Gazprom Neft: "Today, to develop sustainable aviation fuels, it's crucial to move from isolated technological projects to the formation of a fully-fledged market. To do this, we need to understand in advance where to source raw materials, how to organize production and logistics, and under what conditions the sustainable fuel industry in Russia can develop. Working together with Aeroflot will allow us to analyze this entire chain and determine practical steps for launching industrial production of SAF and LCAF in Russia."

The RuCORS International Aviation Fuel Forum is taking place September 29-30 at the Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg. Participants will focus on the development of sustainable aviation, new types of aviation fuel, and the creation of conditions for their practical use in the context of the transition to the mandatory stage of CORSIA.

PJSC Aeroflot

Aeroflot is Russia's largest airline. The Aeroflot Group also includes Rossiya Airlines and Pobeda Airlines. Aeroflot Group is the undisputed leader in Russian civil aviation. In 2025, Aeroflot carried 29.5 million passengers, or 55.3 million when including Aeroflot Group airlines.

Aeroflot is one of the oldest airlines in the world: it has been operating for over 100 years and is one of the most recognizable Russian brands.

Aeroflot and its Group companies adhere to sustainable development principles, addressing important socioeconomic challenges such as ensuring transport accessibility in Russia's regions, providing employment, and supporting the professional development of its employees. Aeroflot Group supports the Russian aircraft industry, being the largest customer of domestically produced passenger aircraft.

Aeroflot is constantly expanding its route network, including flights between regions of the country bypassing Moscow, developing socially oriented transportation programs, and implementing its own "flat fare" program on flights to cities in the Far East and Kaliningrad.

SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) is a low-carbon aviation fuel produced from esters and fatty acids. Using SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions during air travel by up to 80% compared to traditional kerosene.

LCAF (Low Carbon Aviation Fuel) is a fossil fuel-based aviation fuel with a reduced carbon footprint and meeting sustainability criteria, produced at refineries using carbon-reducing technologies. READ MORE