Boeing announces largest annual purchase of sustainable aviation fuel to boost eco-friendly flight operations

In a landmark initiative to enhance its environmental sustainability, Boeing [NYSE: BA] has secured its largest annual purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to date. The aerospace giant is set to acquire 9.4 million gallons (35.6 million liters) of blended SAF, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions for its 2024 U.S. commercial operations. This ambitious purchase represents a more than 60% increase over its 2023 SAF acquisition, reflecting Boeing’s escalated efforts to support the growth of the global SAF supply.

The procured SAF, comprising 30% fuel derived from waste by-products like fats, oils, and greases, mixed with 70% conventional jet fuel, will primarily fuel the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program along with other U.S. commercial operational flights. This strategic blend underscores Boeing’s proactive approach to integrating sustainability into its core operations while maintaining a focus on safety and quality.

Ryan Faucett, Boeing’s Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, emphasized the critical role of SAF in the aviation industry’s future. “Sustainable aviation fuel is essential to decarbonize aviation. About 20% of our fuel usage is a SAF blend, and we continue to increase our use of this fuel to encourage growth in the SAF industry,” Faucett noted. He also highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance SAF accessibility and affordability through collaboration, investment, research, and policy development.

Boeing steps up its sustainability game by purchasing 9.4 million gallons of SAF, marking its largest annual buy aimed at reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. Photo courtesy of PRNewswire/Boeing.

Boeing’s SAF supply will be bolstered by EPIC Fuels, a Signature Aviation company, along with contributions from Neste and Avfuel. Notably, Boeing will also engage in an innovative carbon emissions reduction strategy by purchasing the CO2 emissions reduction credits associated with 5.4 million gallons of blended SAF through a book-and-claim process. This system allows Boeing to claim carbon reductions even if the actual fuel is utilized elsewhere, thereby promoting broader environmental benefits across the industry.

This significant SAF purchase by Boeing not only demonstrates the company’s leadership in eco-friendly aviation but also sets a benchmark for the industry’s shift towards sustainable practices. The move is expected to catalyze further developments within the SAF market and inspire similar commitments across the aviation sector.

Boeing’s record SAF purchase marks a pivotal step in the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By integrating substantial SAF volumes into its operations and pioneering carbon reduction accounting practices, Boeing is actively contributing to the global effort to mitigate aviation’s environmental impact. This initiative not only supports Boeing’s environmental goals but also aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainable and responsible business practices in aviation.