JetBlue Airways Makes History with Sustainable Aviation Fuel Launch in New York

JetBlue's initiative is part of a broader effort to decarbonize the aviation sector, which has been under increasing scrutiny for its environmental impact. The airline's 12-month agreement with World Fuel Services, a subsidiary of World Kinect (NYSE: WKC), aims to supply at least 1 million gallons of neat SAF sourced from Valero Marketing and Supply Company, a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE: VLO). This agreement underscores JetBlue's commitment to environmental sustainability and its readiness to lead the charge towards greener air travel.

Ursula Hurley, JetBlue's Chief Financial Officer, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “JFK has been JetBlue’s home for 25 years, and our operations here should set the standard we envision for our entire network.” She emphasized the importance of incorporating SAF into their flights as a critical lever for decarbonizing the aviation industry, particularly in the Northeast.

The supply of SAF is made viable through collaborative partnerships with corporate business entities that help mitigate the cost premium associated with sustainable fuels compared to traditional jet fuel. Under the agreement with World Fuel Services, an additional 4 million gallons of neat SAF could be supplied, contingent upon continued corporate support.

Brad Hurwitz, Senior Vice President of Supply and Trading at World Fuel Services, remarked, “Working with JetBlue and Valero to bring blended SAF to one of our largest airport locations supports our ambition at World Fuel to grow a consistent supply network for SAF on the U.S. East Coast.” This collaboration is poised to enhance the availability of lower carbon fuels for aviation customers, contributing to the industry's transition towards sustainability.

To ensure a steady supply of SAF, the fuel is produced by Diamond Green Diesel LLC, a joint venture between a Valero affiliate and Darling Ingredients Inc. The blended SAF is then delivered to JetBlue via existing jet fuel distribution infrastructure at JFK Airport. This innovative approach allows the blended SAF to be utilized seamlessly with existing aircraft and infrastructure, potentially reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to approximately 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

The groundwork for SAF delivery at New York airports was laid in a 2021 study conducted by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Lab. This study confirmed the feasibility of transporting SAF to Port Authority airports, setting the stage for successful operations at LaGuardia Airport and JFK, where the world’s first transatlantic flight fueled by SAF occurred in November 2023.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has expressed its commitment to promoting sustainable air travel alongside JetBlue. Kevin O’Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority, stated, “As the international gateway to the US, JFK is leading by example through our work on safe SAF delivery to our regional airports.” The Port Authority aims to facilitate more SAF operations across its airport system, with Executive Director Rick Cotton emphasizing the necessity of partnerships to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

JetBlue's successful integration of SAF into its operations at JFK follows similar efforts at San Francisco and Los Angeles International airports, where the airline has doubled its SAF procurement year-over-year since 2020. The airline's sustainability strategy encompasses not only the use of SAF but also enhanced aircraft efficiency, fuel optimization, electric ground operations, and strategic technology partnerships.

As JetBlue continues to expand its Sustainable Travel Partners program, it seeks additional corporate partners to further enhance SAF usage and support the airline's sustainability goals. For those interested in contributing to this initiative, JetBlue offers SAF certificates for businesses looking to offset their travel emissions.

In summary, JetBlue's launch of regular SAF supply at JFK marks a pivotal moment in the airline's journey towards sustainability, setting a precedent for the aviation industry and reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving a more sustainable future. For more information about JetBlue’s sustainability initiatives, visit jetblue.com/sustainability.