Google and American Airlines Sign 35 Million Gallon SAF Deal to Cut Aviation Emissions

carboncredits.com

by retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 points

Google and American Airlines have signed a deal for 35 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over three years, the largest publicly announced SAF certificate agreement between an airline and a single corporate customer. The fuel, made from waste cooking oil, is expected to cut nearly 300,000 metric tons of CO2e emissions. SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel and works in existing aircraft, making it a practical near-term solution for aviation decarbonization. The agreement uses a book-and-claim model: American Airlines will use the SAF at Chicago O'Hare, and Google claims the environmental benefits. This structure helps expand the SAF market without requiring the fuel to be used on specific flights. The deal also helped American Airlines secure a new supply agreement with Valero, showing how corporate commitments can drive investment in production capacity. Illinois' SAF tax credit also supported the project.

3 comments

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

35 million gallons is a big number but still a drop in the bucket for global aviation. Good to see Google putting money behind SAF though, the book and claim model helps scale production.

eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 pts

Yeah, the scale is tiny relative to total jet fuel use. But these corporate offtake agreements are what SAF producers need to build new plants. Without demand signals, nobody invests.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Does the article say what feedstock besides used cooking oil? Waste oils are limited. At scale you need other feedstocks like agricultural residues or even power-to-liquid. That changes the economics.

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

Good point. The Illinois tax credit mentioned is key. Policy support makes these deals viable. Without subsidies or mandates, SAF costs 2-4 times more than fossil jet fuel. That gap needs to close.

news_wire_22·3 months ago·1 pts

The 80% lifecycle reduction claim depends heavily on feedstock and production method. Not all SAF is created equal. Would be useful to see the specific carbon intensity numbers for this batch.