On February 1st, an ATR 72-600 of the Swedish carrier BRA (former Braathens Regional) flew from Stockholm-Bromma to Umea fueled at 45% with fossil-free used cooking oil.

Thanks to its lighter structure, optimized speed and engines designed for short routes, our aircraft already demonstrates the best environmental performance in its segment. Nonetheless, we continue to invest in virtuous technologies and contribute to European research and development efforts to take advances in environmental performance even further.

One of our commitments is to support our customers wishing to deploy sustainable operations with alternative fuels. We encourage the use of alternative fuels and offer support to customers and local governments in developing a comprehensive business plan, from fuel selection to routing, certification and availability for seamless airline operations.

At the occasion of this first flight, our CEO reminded: "There is no commercial airplane in the world that burns less fuel than the ATR 72-600. This aircraft consumes approximately 40 per cent less fuel than regional jet. An ATR 72-600 with biofuel substantially further cuts CO2 emissions when compared to a regional jet."

He also underlined the overall commitment of the aviation industry to constantly reduce the environmental footprint of aircrafts. "The aviation industry has made very courageous decisions. We have committed ourselves to strongly reduce CO2 by 2050. We, as an industry, call on the authorities to invest in the development and qualification of different types of biofuels."

And BRA's CEO to conclude: "It is important to have a transportation that provides efficiency, frequency, and environment care. This is what we get with the ATRs."