In a move designed to address growing concerns about aviation emissions, Shell, Accenture, and American Express (NYSE:AXP) Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) have unveiled updates to their Avelia platform. This initiative aims to boost the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by welcoming more fuel suppliers into its blockchain-powered system. The partners believe this evolution will make SAF accessible to a wider audience, potentially stimulating more environmentally conscious choices in air travel, even if availability remains limited at certain airports.
Before this development, Avelia had launched in 2022 offering 1 million gallons of SAF, initially sourcing only from Shell Aviation. Now, with over 57 companies and airlines on board, Avelia has injected over 33 million gallons of SAF across 17 global locations, cutting down more than 300,000 tonnes of CO2e when compared to traditional jet fuel. Previous estimations on SAF production indicated that by 2025, it would comprise a mere 0.7% of all aviation fuel consumption. This underlines the pressing need for platforms like Avelia to amplify SAF’s presence in the aviation sector.
Can Avelia’s Growth Transform SAF Accessibility?
The initiative’s expansion to a multi-supplier model is central to its strategy. This change allows participants to source SAF from various suppliers and consolidate their activities within Avelia. Shell, Accenture, and Amex GBT believe introducing more fuel suppliers will strengthen the platform’s credibility and impact. Furthermore, the “Bring Your Own SAF” feature aims to offer airlines more control over their SAF portfolios, even for fuel acquired outside the current supply network.
How Is Technology Enhancing Avelia’s Objectives?
Blockchain technology is pivotal in Avelia’s enhancements. Accenture now manages the platform’s data, ensuring a secure, transparent, and externally verified system. By doing so, Avelia seeks to foster trust among participants and encourage broader adoption within the industry.
Industry experts have expressed optimism about these updates. Evan Konwiser of Amex GBT highlighted the platform’s capacity to mitigate Scope 3 emissions for companies, underscoring its role in advancing the first and most established book-and-claim SAF system. Shell’s Raman Ojha noted this moment as significant not only for Avelia but also for the wider aviation sector.
Meanwhile, Accenture’s Dr. Jesko-Philipp Neuenburg emphasized the importance of strategic partnership in elevating the platform’s capabilities and maintaining data transparency. By leveraging blockchain and fostering a collaborative environment, Avelia aligns itself with the aviation industry’s sustainability goals.
Avelia’s recent advances highlight the strategic marriage of technology and sustainability. As aviation continues grappling with its environmental footprint, platforms like Avelia represent proactive efforts to confront these challenges. Despite its potential, ongoing collaboration and technological refinement will be crucial to overcoming existing barriers and facilitating broader SAF usage across the sector.
