New York-based airline JetBlue and World Fuel Services (World Fuel), a World Kinect company, have announced a new agreement to supply blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) starting in the fourth quarter of 2024.
This agreement, spanning 12 months, involves JetBlue receiving at least 1,000,000 gallons of neat SAF (approximately 3,300,000 gallons when blended), with an option to purchase up to an additional 4,000,000 gallons (about 13,300,000 gallons blended). The SAF will be supplied by Valero Marketing and Supply Company (Valero) and distributed through existing infrastructure, including the Colonial Pipeline.
Sara Bogdan, managing director of sustainability and environmental social governance, JetBlue said, “This newly available SAF in our hometown is a key signal of the growing engagement by major fuel producers and the potential of SAF to meaningfully address aviation’s carbon emissions. By leveraging Valero’s globally recognised expertise in energy markets and logistics, and by utilising existing jet fuel distribution infrastructure, this new large-scale supply of SAF is set to be a pivotal moment as the industry grows the use of SAF.”
JetBlue, as New York’s Hometown Airline®, aims to increase the availability of blended SAF in the northeast and is working with local businesses to boost supply. This initiative is part of JetBlue’s broader strategy to support the SAF market and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Neat SAF, produced by Diamond Green Diesel, LLC, a joint venture between a Valero affiliate, and Darling Ingredients Inc., will be blended with conventional jet fuel by Valero and distributed by World Fuel. Neat SAF, derived from various feedstocks such as agricultural waste and used cooking oils, can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by about 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. World Fuel will manage the logistics and distribution of the SAF, ensuring a traceable supply chain.
“It takes support across the full supply chain to grow the blended SAF market and meet the aviation industry’s objectives. We are proud to work with JetBlue to bring blended SAF to one of our largest airport locations, further supporting our ambition at World Fuel to grow a consistent supply network for SAF in the US East Coast,” said Brad Hurwitz, senior vice president, supply and trading, World Fuel.
Currently, most SAF supply is directed to West Coast airports due to state-level incentives. JetBlue is calling on New York businesses to support the expansion of SAF availability by demonstrating demand and interest in more sustainable travel options. By partnering and helping JetBlue purchase more blended SAF through JetBlue-issued SAF certificates, corporate partners have the ability to reduce their business travel emissions, while encouraging the blended SAF market. With this new supply of blended SAF available at JFK, JetBlue calls on New York businesses to join the airline in bringing even more blended SAF to its hometown.
“As a global hub for travel and commerce, we have an opportunity for New York to be viewed as a center for responsible business as well,” said Sara Bogdan, managing director of sustainability and environmental social governance, JetBlue, adding, “We’re asking companies who rely on the convenient and readily available flights to and from our New York area airports to help us show the demand and interest for more sustainable options.”
