The American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and its Airport Consortium on Transformation (ACT) program has released an updated report on the opportunities and challenges U.S. airports face in adopting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The report noted that one industry advantage is that few changes are needed to on-airport infrastructure to distribute SAF.
The ACT working group’s findings conclude there is an opportunity in the future for airports to lead the industry and support development of off-airport infrastructure for the blending and transportation facilities needed to deliver SAF for use at airports.
“SFO leads the world in SAF deliveries, and our journey to reach this point demonstrated that an industry coalition, combined with the support of public policymakers, can deliver a powerful solution to reduce the climate impacts of air travel,” said Erin Cooke, sustainability and environmental policy director at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). “We have learned firsthand how an airport can create the right environment to unlock SAF adoption, and we are excited for this transformation take off at airports across the nation.”
This research evaluates the current SAF supply chain; infrastructure needs; and government and industry incentives, mandates, and credits. Included in the research are initiatives U.S. airports are piloting to advance the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and resources airport executives can use to further momentum and transition to SAF.
AAAE and ACT worked with Arup to determine that SAF is the most practical path to carbon savings for the aviation industry in the short term, noting that multiple pathways to produce SAF are certified using waste, agricultural products, and renewable energy as feedstocks, with more pathways currently in development.
“San Francisco International Airport, Arup, and the participants within this ACT working group have a heritage of environmental and sustainability leadership in our industry,” concluded Kyle Herbig, vice president of airport solutions at AAAE. “By sharing their extensive knowledge and experience with SAF distribution, they have demonstrated a sensible means by which airports nationwide can participate in decarbonization starting with infrastructure already in place, producing timely and positive benefits for the environment.”
