MUSCAT: The Civil Aviation Authority signed a memorandum of cooperation with OQ Group and SkyNRG, a sustainable aviation fuel solutions leader based in the Netherlands, aimed at studying the development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility in Oman.

The memorandum will serve as the framework for the trio to leverage global expertise to set the core prerequisites of setting up an innovative facility focused on researching cutting-edge technologies that drive the production of SAF.

The agreement was signed by HE Naif bin Ali al Abri, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority; Ghaleb bin Saeed al Maamari, Vice-President of Alternative Energy at OQ Group; and Oskar Meijerink, head of Future Fuels at SkyNRG.

The partnership underscores Oman’s aspiration to be at the forefront of green fuel innovation, signalling its intent to weave sustainable practices into its everyday fabric and march towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

Abri emphasised the authority’s commitment to curtail the environmental ramifications of aviation operations. He highlighted the Civil Aviation Law, issued by Royal Decree No 76/2019, which entrusts the authority with the mandate to formulate guidelines that mitigate environmental impacts, keeping pace with global benchmarks.

Al Maamari lauded the memorandum as an embodiment of Oman’s vision to tap into its green potential. He highlighted the transformative impact of SAF in curbing carbon emissions in the aviation sector.

According to Meijerink, the memorandum highlights the commendable strides made by both the authority and OQ Group in championing green fuel in Oman.

Source: ONA

Date: 11 Oct 2023