companies and adding SAF to certain flight routes. Many airlines are also partnering with companies that want to reduce their emissions and are willing to help grow the marketplace for SAF in order to make these fuels commercially-viable to produce. United Airlines is particularly proud of their investment: “Since 2016, United has used the most SAF of any airline globally and has flown 26 million passengers on flights powered with a SAF blend, 44 billion passenger-miles on flights powered with a SAF blend, and 215,000 flights powered with a SAF blend.”
Companies and large corporations are behind the sustainable travel movement as well. Microsoft recently signed an agreement with Alaska Airlines to use SAF on its three most frequent routes. “Microsoft will purchase SAF credits from SkyNRG, and the SAF will be delivered to the airport fueling system used by Alaska Airlines. The companies will explore expanding the program in the future.” By purchasing SAF credits ahead of time, Microsoft provides a stable demand for SAF that allows companies that produce the fuel to do so in a way that is cost-effective. The SAF is then used to power trips on Microsoft’s most frequent routes, and as the purchaser of the fuel, Microsoft can claim the emissions reductions associated with the use of SAF versus traditional jetfuel. This is just one example of how many large organizations are pushing for more environmentally-conscious travel, which in time could encourage the mass-production of SAF and improvements in the technology.
Some countries already have SAF fuel requirements and goals. For example, “Norway was the first country known to add a quota requirement for SAF, 0.5% of annual fuel from 2020, with a target of 30% by 2030.” The U.S. currently has no mandate for the use of SAF, but early pushes by the Biden Administration towards climate mitigation gives hope for more attention on sustainable transportation solutions in the coming years. “In 2018, it’s estimated that global aviation – which includes both passenger and freight – emitted 1.04 billion tonnes of CO2.” If all flights taken in one year are flown using SAF at its current maximum emissions reduction of 80%, global emissions from air travel would be reduced to 0.21 billion tonnes of CO2. That could make a significant difference for countries as they strive to reach ambitious emissions targets.
While this preliminary usage of SAF is a powerful step and a strong indicator of a rise in awareness of both companies and customers, challenges remain in making SAF actually effective and widespread. But with post-quarantine travelers running out of patience and desperate for an escape regardless of the associated emissions, time is of the essence for airlines and policymakers to act.
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Alaska airlines and Microsoft SIGN partnership to reduce carbon emissions with Flights powered by sustainable aviation fuel in key routes. (2020, October 22). Retrieved March 11, 2021, from https://news.microsoft.com/2020/10/22/alaska-airlines-and-microsoft-sign-partnership-to-reduce-carbon-emissions-with-flights-powered-by-sustainable-aviation-fuel-in-key-routes/
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