Colombia has announced its first flight powered by sustainable fuel, made possible through a partnership between the state oil company Ecopetrol and Latam Airlines. The announcement was made at Ernesto Cortissoz Airport in Barranquilla, where both companies outlined their strategic alliance to advance the energy transition in Colombia’s aviation sector.
The initiative is built on knowledge sharing between the two companies: Ecopetrol contributes its expertise in research, development, and fuel production, while Latam brings its experience in aviation operations, piloting, and the evaluation of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
Colombia announces first flight with sustainable fuel
As the first outcome of this partnership, Latam will operate over 700 flights using 32,000 barrels of Jet A1 co-processed with 1% renewable raw materials, produced by Ecopetrol at the Cartagena Refinery.
This fuel will be distributed to the airports of Barranquilla, Medellin, and San Andres to supply flights operated by Latam Airlines Colombia.
Ricardo Roa, President of Ecopetrol, stated that “this alliance represents a historic milestone for the country by promoting the use of Jet fuel co-processed with renewable components.” He affirmed that this is the first step toward the “production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in Colombia and the region, with the goal of reaching 50% renewable components” in the future.
Erika Zarante, CEO of Latam Airlines Colombia, highlighted that the airline was a pioneer in operating biofuel-powered flights in Colombia. She emphasized that “aviation decarbonization is a priority and requires the development of local capabilities, robust public policies, and strategic alliances like this one with Ecopetrol.”
Additionally, CO₂ emissions from the land and maritime transportation of this fuel will be offset through carbon credits from the CO2Bio project, which protects more than 270,000 hectares of forests and wetlands in Colombia’s Orinoquia region.
The co-processed fuel produced by Ecopetrol is distributed and stored by World Fuel Services and Chevron. Andres Roque, Vice President of Supply for Latin America at World Fuel Services, underscored the company’s commitment to expanding access to sustainable aviation fuels in the region.
SAF production and certification
The first batch of 32,000 barrels of co-processed Jet A1 was produced in October 2024 at the Cartagena de Indias Refinery. This fuel contains 1% renewable raw materials derived from palm oil and used cooking oil, complying with the international ASTM D1655-24b standard, which ensures its use in commercial aircraft without modifications.
SAF production is the result of over 15 years of research at the Colombian Institute of Petroleum and Energies for the Transition (ICPET), which developed methodologies for incorporating renewable raw materials into refining processes. Ecopetrol already holds registered patents for this technology.
The co-processed Jet A1 used in this alliance underwent quality testing in collaboration with the Colombian Aerospace Force and the Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC), demonstrating performance identical to conventional Jet A1.
Looking ahead, Ecopetrol plans to establish sustained SAF production through co-processing at the Cartagena Refinery and to develop a dedicated plant at the Barrancabermeja Refinery once regulations and sustainability certifications for raw materials are in place.
Depending on the technologies and raw materials used, SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by 50% to 80% compared to conventional fuel.