The agreement would give the Irish airline potential access to 360,000 tonnes of the energy giant's sustainable aviation fuel - or SAF - from 2025 to 2030.

Ryanair wants to cut its carbon emissions.

Last year, the airline committed to powering 12.5% of its flights with SAF by the start of the next decade.

It said the Shell deal could save 900,000 tonnes in CO2 emissions.

Sustainable jet fuel produces about 70% less carbon than fossil fuels, and offers airlines a way to become greener while still being able to fly.

Global airlines are still waiting for less carbon-intensive hybrid, electric or hydrogen-powered aeroplane options to become available.

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said Wednesday (November 30) he did not expect a hydrogen engine to be ready before 2050.

He says hitting the airline's SAF target will still be tough, even with the new deal.

Shell aims for renewable fuel to account for a tenth of its global jet sales by 2030.