Airline JetBlue has announced its first regular supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for commercial flights in the New York region, at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The announcement follows JetBlue’s 12-month agreement with World Fuel Services, which will see at least one million gallons of neat SAF to be provided by Valero Marketing and Supply Company, a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation.
‘Set the standard’
“JFK has been JetBlue’s home for 25 years, and our operations here should set the standard we envision for our entire network,” commented Ursula Hurley, chief financial officer, JetBlue.
Av”Incorporating SAF into our flights is an important lever in decarbonising the aviation industry and expanding its availability to our Northeast airports is a big step.”
The New York-based carrier said that the SAF supply has been made possible through its corporate business partners, which are helping to cover the cost premium over traditional just fuel, with a further four million gallons of neat SAF possible under the terms of the deal.
Read more: 10 ways to boost investment in sustainable aviation fuels
SAF production
The SAF is produced by Diamond Green Diesel LLC, a joint venture between a Valero affiliate and Darling Ingredients Inc. affiliate, with the fuel then blended with conventional jet fuel to create blended SAF. The blended SAF is then delivered by World Fuel for use by JetBlue at JFK Airport.
Blended SAF has the potential to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, the group said.
“Working with JetBlue and Valero to bring blended SAF to one of our largest airport locations supports our ambition at World Fuel to grow a consistent supply network for SAF on the U.S. East Coast,” added Brad Hurwitz, senior vice president, supply and trading, World Fuel Services. “This collaboration enhances our ability to provide regular sustainable aviation fuel and improves access to lower carbon fuels for our aviation customers.”
JetBlue has already commenced SAF operations at San Francisco and Los Angeles airports and has doubled its SAF procurement year-on-year since 2020. Read more here.
