JetBlue Begins Using Sustainable Aviation Fuel for Commercial Flights

JetBlue has started blending sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into its normal flight operations at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). It is a significant step in the airline's transition to reducing carbon emissions and ramping up SAF supply in the Northeast. Through blending SAF with its fuel mix, JetBlue is working with fuel suppliers and airport authorities to accelerate the decarbonization of the aviation sector.
In 2024, JetBlue signed a one-year agreement with World Fuel Services and Valero to buy at least 1 million gallons of SAF, with the ability to add more volume up to 4 million gallons if corporate partners are willing to pay the extra cost of SAF compared to conventional jet fuel. The inclusion of SAF at JFK is a milestone in the airline's 25-year history at the airport and sets a new standard for sustainable aviation.

Diamond Green Diesel, a joint venture between Valero and Darling Ingredients, produces the SAF ingested by JetBlue. The fuel is mixed with conventional jet fuel before shipping through World Fuel Services' global supply network. The blended product is fully compatible with existing planes and airport facilities, enabling introduction without extensive reformulation.

One of the most significant benefits of SAF is that it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 88% over its entire life cycle compared to conventional jet fuel. Its reduction helps to ease the environmental impact of air travel while enabling the green energy transition of the aviation industry.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has also been a strong driver of the development of SAF initiatives. In 2021, a feasibility study assessed transport of SAF to regional airports, leading to the first SAF-fueled flights at LaGuardia Airport in 2022 and the first transatlantic SAF flight at JFK in 2023. With a goal toward a 2050 net-zero emissions future, the Port Authority continues to drive development and implementation of SAF.

Conclusion:-

JetBlue's use of SAF at JFK marks a significant move toward the commercialization of sustainable aviation fuel and reducing the carbon impact in the airline industry. With more investments and partnerships being made, the expansion of SAF application is set to grow, contributing to the overall goal of decarbonizing air travel. Through the partnership between airport officials and fuel providers to increase SAF adoption, the air travel industry is bringing itself closer to a cleaner tomorrow.

Source & Credits:
Source: JetBlue