JetBlue begins regular supply of sustainable fuel in New York
With an agreement for up to 5 million gallons of SAF, JetBlue aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%.
JetBlue, in collaboration with its fuel supply partners, has launched the first regular supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for commercial flights at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), marking a milestone in the availability of this fuel type in the northeastern United States.
This initiative follows a 2024 agreement in which JetBlue signed a 12-month contract with World Fuel Services, a World Kinect company, for the supply of at least one million gallons of pure SAF, provided by Valero Marketing and Supply Company, a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation. With corporate partner support, the deal could expand to a total of five million gallons.
Funding for SAF is partially offset by corporate partners who help cover the additional cost compared to conventional fuel. Ursula Hurley, Chief Financial Officer of JetBlue, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “JFK has been our home for 25 years, and our operations here must set the standard we aim for across our entire network. Incorporating SAF into our flights is key to decarbonizing the aviation industry.”
To ensure supply, Diamond Green Diesel LLC, a joint venture between a Valero subsidiary and a Darling Ingredients Inc. subsidiary, produces the SAF, which is then blended with conventional fuel before being distributed through the airport’s existing infrastructure. The blended SAF is compatible with current aircraft and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional fuel.
Brad Hurwitz, Senior Vice President of World Fuel Services, noted that this effort strengthens the SAF supply network on the U.S. East Coast, making lower-impact fuels more accessible.
The feasibility of SAF delivery in New York was assessed in a 2021 study by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. These findings led to successful fueling trials at LaGuardia Airport in 2022 and the first transatlantic flight using SAF from JFK in 2023.
Future Outlook and Strategy
The growth of the SAF market requires collaboration between the public and private sectors. Government incentives and business partnerships will play a key role in the transition to renewable fuels. In this regard, JetBlue is encouraging companies to purchase SAF certificates to reduce their carbon footprint.
JetBlue already operates with a regular SAF supply at San Francisco and Los Angeles airports, having doubled its annual procurement since 2020. Its sustainability strategy also includes aircraft efficiency improvements, fuel optimization, electric ground operations, and technological partnerships.
AUTOR
Corresponsal de Prensa de Colombia, Centroamérica y el Caribe. Escribo sobre aviones y música, creo contenido digital en redes y capturo cuanto avión se me cruce en el cielo o en la tierra.
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