JetBlue and World Fuel Services have entered into a new agreement to supply up to 5 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use at New York’s JFK airport. The deliveries are set to commence as early as the fourth quarter of 2024. This agreement aligns with JetBlue’s broader climate targets, including a significant reduction in lifecycle emissions associated with jet fuel by 2035 as part of its decarbonization strategy. It also follows JetBlue’s existing efforts to mitigate travel emissions through its Sustainable Travel Partners program.
In prior agreements, JetBlue has shown its commitment to adopting sustainable practices. The company previously announced a roadmap to cut per-seat emissions by 2035 and launched programs to help corporate clients manage travel emissions. Similar supply deals have been integral to JetBlue’s efforts to meet these ambitious sustainability goals. Such initiatives underscore the airline’s vision to pivot towards a greener future, a direction consistently maintained in its recent strategies.
Blended SAF Supply and Distribution
According to the new agreement, World Fuel Services will supply blended SAF, provided by Valero Marketing and Supply Company. The SAF comprises neat SAF produced by Valero and Darling Ingredients joint venture, Diamond Green Diesel, and is blended with conventional jet fuel. The Port Arthur, Texas plant of Diamond Green Diesel produces renewable fuels utilizing recycled animal fats, used cooking oil, and inedible corn oil.
The deal outlines that JetBlue will receive at least 1,000,000 gallons of neat SAF, approximately 3,300,000 gallons when blended, with an option to increase this amount up to 4,000,000 gallons of neat SAF, translating to roughly 13,300,000 gallons when blended. The blended SAF will be delivered through the existing jet fuel distribution infrastructure and claimed by JetBlue in New York.
Supporting the SAF Market
Brad Hurwitz, Senior Vice President, Supply and Trading at World Fuel, highlighted the importance of collaboration across the supply chain to grow the blended SAF market and achieve aviation industry goals. He expressed pride in working with JetBlue to enhance the SAF supply network on the US East Coast.
“It takes support across the full supply chain to grow the blended SAF market and meet the aviation industry’s objectives. We are proud to work with JetBlue to bring blended SAF to one of our largest airport locations, further supporting our ambition at World Fuel to grow a consistent supply network for SAF in the US East Coast.”
JetBlue’s commitment to reducing lifecycle emissions by 50% per revenue tonne kilometer by 2035 involves significant reliance on SAF. The airline’s roadmap indicates that transitioning to SAF will be crucial in achieving its decarbonization goals, contributing over half of its emissions reductions compared to a business-as-usual scenario.
The airline has also rolled out its JetBlue Sustainable Travel Partners program to assist corporate clients in tackling Scope 3 travel emissions. This program offers SAF certificate purchases, complimentary carbon offsetting on domestic flights, and personalized travel data for emissions reporting. With this new agreement, JetBlue has urged New York businesses to participate in bringing more blended SAF to the area.
“As a global hub for travel and commerce, we have an opportunity for New York to be viewed as a center for responsible business as well. We’re asking companies who rely on the convenient and readily available flights to and from our New York area airports to help us show the demand and interest for more sustainable options.”
This new SAF supply agreement is a significant step forward in JetBlue’s broader sustainability efforts. The airline has consistently demonstrated its commitment to reducing its environmental impact by adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The partnership with World Fuel Services and the integration of SAF into its operations signify JetBlue’s proactive approach to meeting its climate targets and promoting responsible business practices within the aviation industry.
