Sustainable fuel specialist Neste has delivered 500,000 gallons (1,500 metric tons) of SAF to Los Angeles International (LAX) airport in the US.
Finland-based Neste said it was the first “large volume” delivery of SAF to the Californian airport and had been made possible through “close co-operation” with LAXFuel Corporation, the consortium of airlines providing the jet fuel supply infrastructure at the airport.
It is the first time that SAF has been delivered to LAX as a “ready-made fuel blend”, which can be put into the existing fuelling infrastructure in “large volumes”.
Chris Cooper, president of Neste US, said: “This achievement together with LAXFuel shows how we are taking concrete steps towards a more sustainable future for aviation.
“By offering SAF to the state's busiest airport, we are enabling passengers who travel to and from California to lower their carbon footprint while enjoying the benefits of flying.”
SAF can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent over the fuel’s lifecycle compared with traditional jet fuel.
John Trozzo, chairman of LAXFuel Corporation, added: “Sustainable aviation fuel is the fastest, most effective means we have to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from air travel.
“We now have the means to supply this low-emission fuel in larger volumes not only to the airlines flying from LAX but also to other airports in the region serviced by the broader fuel infrastructure managed by LAXFuel in California.
“This partnership with Neste proves that we have the capability to immediately implement this fuel as a low-carbon solution. It also provides a sound basis for scaling up future deliveries to airlines.”
Several European airlines, including British Airways and Aer Lingus, have announced deals to buy SAF to be used for their flights from California in recent months.
Earlier this week, Virgin Atlantic's CEO Shai Weiss warned that the UK could fall behind other countries, such as the US, in the production of SAF.