28 April 2025  SAFt: A Tasty Initiative for Sustainable FlyingAustrian Airlines and waterdrop® are setting new standards for sustainable travel with their joint initiative SAFt. Starting May 1, passengers on all Austrian Airlines short- and medium-haul flights featuring the Melangerie service can enjoy a special edition of waterdrop® Microdrinks and Microlyte cubes. Available in three refreshing, sugar-free flavors—iced tea lemon, passion fruit, and berry electrolyte—SAFt not only offers a new taste experience but also actively supports climate-friendly aviation.Each SAFt purchase contributes to the use of one liter of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on future flights, allowing travelers to play a part in reducing CO₂ emissions. The name "SAFt" cleverly combines the German word "Saft," meaning "juice," with the English abbreviation SAF for "Sustainable Aviation Fuel," highlighting both the refreshing and responsible nature of the initiative. Passengers can enjoy SAFt for €3.90. waterdrop®: Sustainable Hydration Made SimpleFounded in Austria in 2016, waterdrop® has made it its mission to promote healthier, more sustainable drinking habits. By developing compact, sugar-free cubes that dissolve in water, waterdrop® offers a flavorful alternative to bottled beverages, significantly reducing the need for plastic and cutting CO₂ emissions. In fact, compared to traditional drink manufacturers, waterdrop® saves up to 98% of plastic and uses recyclable packaging materials.Beyond product innovation, the company calculates and monitors its environmental impact, continuously working on new flavors, packaging materials, and hydration technologies. Their commitment extends globally through collaborations like the Plastic Bank initiative, where every pack sold finances the collection of a plastic bottle from nature. With their forward-thinking approach, waterdrop® fuels the shift towards a more sustainable beverage industry—aligning seamlessly with the aviation sector's search for cleaner energy solutions. Austrian Airlines: Pioneering the Use of Sustainable Aviation FuelAustrian Airlines has been at the forefront of sustainable flying since 2022, when it began using regionally produced Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) at Vienna Airport in cooperation with OMV. SAF, made from biogenic waste materials like used cooking oils, reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional kerosene over its lifecycle.Through its innovative offsetting program, AUA allows passengers to support the use of SAF for future flights. By calculating the fuel consumption of each journey, the airline ensures that the corresponding amount of SAF will be refueled within six months across the Lufthansa Group network. The initiative showcases Austrian Airlines' dedication to finding real, technological alternatives to fossil fuels, and empowering travelers to contribute to more sustainable aviation. Regional Delights with Austrian MelangerieIn addition to new sustainability measures, Austrian Airlines enhances its onboard offering with the Melangerie, a curated food and beverage service focused on regional Austrian specialties. Available on short- and medium-haul routes, passengers can pre-order menus up to 48 hours before departure, choosing from a range of dishes including traditional Austrian treats. The Melangerie perfectly complements Austrian Airlines' focus on quality, regionality, and a reduced ecological footprint.Technology, Innovation, and Enjoyment with Less CO₂Whether it's through revolutionary drink cubes or new types of jet fuel, the two companies are showing how innovation can pave the way for a more sustainable future. With projects like SAFt and SAF, waterdrop® and Austrian Airlines prove that small actions—whether sipping a drink or booking a flight—can lead to big impacts for the planet. It's a vision of enjoyment and responsibility, powered by technology and a shared commitment to living with less CO₂.Image: The image promoting the collaboration between Austrian Airlines and waterdrop® features the SAFt special edition packaging labeled 'SAFt – Fuel the Future.' A glass of water with a dissolving cube is placed next to the packaging, surrounded by a lemon and berries, reflecting the natural flavors of the product. Photo: © Austrian Airlines |