Why Swedavia sees fossil-free flying as a ‘license to operate’

In this episode, we speak with Lena Wennberg, Chief Sustainable Development Officer, and Therese Forsström, Head of Environmental Department at Swedavia, which owns and operates 10 airports across Sweden, connecting the country both internally and with the rest of the world.

Wennberg and Forsström discuss:

1. Swedavia’s achievement of fossil-free operations in 2020 in their own airport operations, backed by committed leadership that views sustainability as a “license to operate.”
2. Their ambitious goal to enable fossil-free domestic flights in Sweden by 2030, primarily through sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with plans to reach 10% SAF usage.
3. Swedavia’s incentive program that covers 50% of the premium cost for airlines refuelling with SAF, plus their procurement of SAF for their own business travel for the last nine years.
4. The airport’s preparations for future technologies, including charging infrastructure for electric aircraft at smaller airports and collaboration with Airbus on hydrogen infrastructure.
5. The balancing of sustainability with operational needs in a country where air travel is essential due to the vast geography.
   
   

As industry leaders working towards fossil-free aviation since long before it became mainstream, Swedavia offers a compelling example of how airports can transform environmental commitments into tangible action while maintaining operational excellence.

If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversation we had with Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, who shares her ambitious vision for transforming the airport into a sustainable aviation hub. Check it out here. 

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Strategy for sustainability - Swedavia 

Swedavia allocates SEK40m for SAF incentives - SAF Investor 

Swedavia raises SEK 2 billion through green bond issuance to support sustainable investments and operations - International Airport Review 

Airbus, SAS, Swedavia and Vattenfall pave the way for hydrogen aviation in Sweden and Norway - Airbus