South African Airways and Mango celebrated Africa’s first sustainably fueled passenger flights. The flights, taking place last month and coinciding with Boeing’s 100^th anniversary, transported 300 passengers from Johannesburg (JNB) to Cape Town (CPT) on Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The fuel used is 30 percent biofuel derived from a nicotine-free tobacco plant.

“SAA is committed to a sustainable future and this flight highlights the bold steps we are taking to protect and preserve our environment while creating opportunities for the economic development of our people. We are pleased to join the ranks of global airlines who have made a commitment to a better and cleaner way of flying,” said Musa Zwane, CEO, South African Airways.

“It is fitting that on our 100-year anniversary we are flying on fuels that not only power the flight, but ensure a sustainable future for our industry. This project is a great example of environmental stewardship that deliver economic and health benefits to South Africa,” said Miguel Santos, managing director for Africa, Boeing International.

The milestone comes three years after Boeing and SAA launched a sustainable aviation fuel collaboration, and two years after Project Solar converted plant seed oil into bio-jet fuel. The biofuel used during the first flight was sourced from a recognized sustainable farm in South Africa.

Last month, the partners introduced a new sustainable fuel initiative to work toward a long-term domestic fuel supply for SAA and other regional users.