Boeing Expands Global Initiatives for Widespread Adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Boeing (NYSE: BA) is intensifying its global efforts to escalate the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), recognized as the most substantial tool in reducing aviation emissions presently and in the future. The company is focusing on collaborative ventures, research, and policy advocacy concerning SAF, which has the potential to slash lifecycle CO2 emissions by up to 85%.

Chris Raymond, Boeing’s Chief Sustainability Officer, highlighted, “We are strengthening collaborative efforts worldwide to foster greater SAF usage. SAF remains pivotal in curbing aviation emissions, and our dedication lies in continuous innovation and partnerships to facilitate the production of sustainable aviation fuel on a global scale.”

The primary challenges hindering greater SAF adoption are the limited supply and high costs, with current SAF usage representing only 0.1% of global jet fuel demand.

In preparation for COP28, Boeing undertook several initiatives:

• Collaborated with energy producers and aviation leaders in the UAE, forming Air-CRAFT, a consortium aimed at accelerating research, scaling, and production of renewable aviation fuels locally and internationally.
• Launched an initiative with the United States to drive the development and usage of SAF among Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member countries.
• Initiated collaboration with Zero Petroleum for testing and assessing next-generation technologies to expedite SAF supply.
• Participated in discussions at ICAO’s Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels, where over 100 countries set a goal for aviation fuel in 2030 to be 5% less carbon-intensive than conventional jet fuel.
• Joined the Corporate Coalition for Innovation & Technology toward Net Zero (CCITNZ), an alliance dedicated to aiding countries in meeting decarbonization and climate change goals through technology and innovation.
• Provided technical expertise for the first 100% SAF flight across the Atlantic on a commercial jetliner—a Virgin Atlantic-led project, supported by funding from the UK Department for Transport.
• Signed an agreement with Masdar, the Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy company, to advance SAF policies in the UAE and beyond.

At COP28, Boeing aims to leverage this momentum and continue its focus on scaling SAF globally by:

• Collaborating with various entities to explore viable pathways for locally produced SAF using diverse local feedstock solutions in multiple countries.
• Mobilising its supply chain to ensure Boeing commercial airplanes are 100% SAF-compatible by 2030.

Increasing SAF purchases, with agreements in place since 2022 for 7.6 million gallons of SAF for its U.S. commercial airplane operations.