TagSustainable Aviation Fuels(76)

Virgin Atlantic completed the first transatlantic commercial flight powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), made primarily from used cooking oil, flying from London Heathrow to New York JFK. While supporters say SAF can cut emissions by over 90% compared to conventional jet fuel and works with existing aircraft, critics argue it is a greenwashing effort due to limited fuel supply and potential land-use conflicts. SAF currently makes up less than 1% of global jet fuel and costs roughly three times more than conventional fuel, leaving its large-scale viability uncertain.

The Farm to Fly Act of 2023 (H.R. 6271) is a U.S. House bill introduced in November 2023 that updates agricultural law definitions to formally include sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) within USDA bioenergy programs. The bill aims to expand the domestic supply of cleaner aviation fuel by supporting American farmers and agricultural feedstocks as key sources for SAF production. It recognizes the partnership between the agricultural and aviation sectors as a means to boost rural economic development and domestic energy security.

This presentation by Erin Cooke of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) outlines the roles that airports and networks can play in advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). It covers how airports can baseline emissions, set policy ambitions, study supply chain and financing challenges, and build awareness among future fuel buyers. The presentation also addresses how broader coalitions can streamline roadmaps, advocate for funding, and expand incentives to accelerate SAF adoption.