Major Japanese airlines are moving to increase their use of eco-friendly fuel in a bid to slash their carbon footprints.
Sustainable aviation fuel is made from plants and discarded oil. It is said to emit about 80 percent less carbon dioxide compared with conventional fuels.

ANA Holdings aims to have its fleet run exclusively on sustainable fuel and other cleaner options by fiscal 2050. The operator of All Nippon Airways estimates the move will cover 70 percent of its CO2-reduction target.

The firm says it will expand its overseas network of sustainable fuel suppliers, as well as boost research and development efforts aimed at domestic production.

Miyata Chikako, Group Chief Sustainability Officer at ANA Holdings, said airlines need to promote the use of biofuels with a sense of urgency in order to turn aviation into a sustainable industry looking toward 2050.

Japan Airlines is making similar efforts. The carrier has signed an agreement with a US supplier in a joint deal with other airlines. It plans to use the biofuel for regular flights.

Demand for sustainable aviation fuel is growing worldwide. There are moves in Europe requiring airlines to use it.

But the fuel costs more than twice as much to make. So producers face the challenge of reducing costs through technological innovation.