SOURCE: WestJet
April 19, 2024
BY WestJet
WestJet today announced that it has purchased the first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied in Canada by Shell Aviation, marking another milestone in WestJet's mission to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and signifying another step forward in making Canada's aviation industry more sustainable.
"WestJet is committed to enhancing our position as a first mover in sustainability technologies. Just as we pioneered advancements in Winglets and drag reduction, WestJet proudly stands as the first airline to acquire SAF by Shell in Canada," said Angela Avery, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer. "Thanks to Shell's world-class fuel supply chain and WestJet's proven track record in sustainability, this first step sets the stage for future collaboration and innovation to encourage investments in this important lever for decarbonization."
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With the right regulatory and investment environment, SAF remains one of the more viable and scalable in-sector options for reducing emissions in the 2050 timeframe and has the potential to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80 per cent when used neat, compared with conventional aviation fuel1. WestJet remains committed to working with government and industry partners toward the establishment of a sustainable, long-term commercial framework for SAF. SAF acquired from Shell Aviation is blended with conventional jet fuel to meet all certification and safety requirements, while requiring no new investments in aircraft engines, fuel infrastructure or distribution processes.
"We are delighted to supply WestJet with SAF, as we continue to support our customers on their decarbonization journeys, while simultaneously building out the supply chain in Canada to enable more customers to access SAF," said Christine Bassitt, General Manager, Shell Aviation, Americas.
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To supply WestJet with SAF, Shell Aviation uses a program called Avelia, one of the world's first blockchain-powered digital SAF book-and-claim solutions for air travel. Avelia uses blockchain to provide clear and transparent tracking of the environmental attributes of SAF delivered into the aviation fueling network. Environmental attributes can be allocated to both airlines and business customers, while avoiding issues such as double counting. This means corporations can confidently view verified lifecycle emissions reductions from SAF today, while working to establish sufficient SAF to meet their future net zero or science-based targets.
WestJet remains committed to sustainable aviation while continuing to provide affordable air travel for Canadians. Current focus areas include reducing emissions intensity, progressive fleet modernization plans and advocacy for sustainable aviation fuel production in Canada.
USA BioEnergy on Jan. 12 announced it has closed on the acquisition of 1,600-plus acres of land in East Texas for its new $2.8 billion advanced biorefinery, designed to convert wood waste into sustainable, net-zero aviation fuel (SAF).
The U.S. DOE, USDA and FAA on Jan. 13 released Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge 2021-2024 Progress Report, which underscores the importance of continued investment in the rapidly growing biofuels industry.
The U.S. EIA maintained its forecasts for 2025 renewable diesel and biodiesel production in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released Jan. 14. The 2025 outlook for “other biofuel” production, including SAF, was also unchanged.
Calumet Inc. on Jan. 10 announced the closing of a $1.44 billion U.S. Department of Energy loan guarantee to fund construction of Montana Renewables’ MaxSAF initiative, which aims to boost SAF capacity at the biorefinery to 300 MMgy.
Treasury and the IRS on Jan. 10 released guidance on the 45Z clean fuels production credit, including a notice of intent to propose regulations and a notice providing the annual emission rate table for the credit.