San Francisco International Airport announces landmark agreement for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels

First-ever memorandum linking airlines and fuel providers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

San Francisco, CA, 2018-Sep-07 — /Travel PR News/ — As San Francisco prepares to host the Global Climate Action Summit, the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) today (September 5, 2018) announced a landmark agreement for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), a low-carbon and sustainably produced alternative to jet fuel. The Airport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a group of eight airlines and fuel producers to work cooperatively on expanding the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels at SFO. The agreement is the first of its kind to include fuel suppliers, airlines, and airport agencies in a collaborative effort to accelerate the global transition to sustainable fuels.

“SFO is an industry leader in sustainability, and we are proud to be the first airport to sign a truly holistic agreement on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels,” said Airport Director Ivar C. Satero. “By including the entire supply chain process, from producer to end user, this agreement has the power to drive a truly meaningful reduction in aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions. I appreciate the commitment of the airlines, fuel providers, and fuel consortium that came together for this historic agreement.”

The four airlines – United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Cathay Pacific – represent nearly 70% of all flights at SFO, while the four fuel producers include the Airport’s two primary suppliers, Chevron and Shell, along with Neste and LanzaTech. Together with SFO Fuel, the Airport’s Fuel Consortium, these partners will continue to actively strive to increase Sustainable Aviation Fuel supply globally and at San Francisco International Airport. Airlines at SFO currently use over 1 billion gallons of jet fuel annually. If sustainable aviation fuel suppliers are able to increase global supply from the current 5 million gallons per year to 500 million gallons per year, the use of SAF could prevent nearly 4.8 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year – equivalent to taking over one million cars off the roads.

Already, SFO is working on a study to identify the necessary supply chain and infrastructure required to make this expansion of SAF at the Airport a reality, and is preparing an implementation plan to do so. SFO is posturing for increased interest in the California market for SAF producers and suppliers, given the additional incentives likely to be made available, through a California Air Resources Board ruling allowing the opt-in inclusion of SAF in the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).  This is the first sub-national government to offer any incentive for the benefits provided by SAF.

MOU signatories participate in a SAF stakeholder working group, convened by SFO last year to be diversely composed of airlines, fuel providers, government agencies, and researchers and non-governmental organizations.  This working group commissioned the SAF Study, partnered to collectively advocate for SAF’s inclusion in the Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

About San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 49 international cities on 43 international carriers. The Bay Area’s largest airport connects non-stop with 85 cities in the U.S. on 12 domestic airlines.  SFO is proud to offer upgraded free Wi-Fi with no advertising.  For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com. Follow us on www.twitter.com/flysfo and  www.facebook.com/flysfo.

CONTACT:
Doug Yakel
Public Information Officer
External Affairs Office
San Francisco International Airport
650.821.4000
Doug.Yakel@flysfo.com

Source: San Francisco International Airport

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