Sustainable Aviation
Delta and Shell Achieve First Commercial Scale SAF Delivery at Portland Airport
Delta, Shell, and Portland International Airport deliver over 400,000 gallons of sustainable aviation fuel, advancing aviation decarbonization efforts.
In September 2024, Delta Air Lines, in collaboration with Shell Aviation and Portland International Airport (PDX), achieved a major milestone by delivering over 400,000 gallons of SAF into PDX’s fuel system. This marked the first commercial-scale SAF uplift at the Oregon airport, demonstrating the intricate partnerships and infrastructure investments required to scale sustainable aviation fuel adoption across the United States. The move highlights both the opportunities and challenges of decarbonizing aviation, a sector responsible for a significant share of global carbon emissions. As SAF currently accounts for only about 0.53% of global jet fuel consumption and costs substantially more than conventional fuels, such Partnerships are critical to advancing climate goals and establishing the supply chains needed for industry-wide transformation.
The Delta-Shell-PDX partnership underscores how Airlines, fuel suppliers, and airport authorities can work together to meet ambitious climate targets, even as the aviation industry faces daunting economic and logistical barriers. Their achievement not only sets a precedent for other airports and carriers but also provides a blueprint for integrating SAF into existing fuel systems, an essential step toward reducing aviation’s environmental footprint.
Sustainable aviation fuel is widely recognized as one of the most promising solutions for decarbonizing commercial aviation, which currently contributes an estimated 2-3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike ground transportation, where electrification is rapidly advancing, aviation’s unique energy density and weight requirements make SAF a more viable near-term solution. SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, while remaining compatible with existing aircraft engines and airport infrastructure.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF could provide up to 65% of the emissions reductions necessary for aviation to achieve net-zero carbon Emissions by 2050. However, scaling production remains a challenge: global SAF production hit 1 million tonnes in 2024, double the previous year but still far below the projected demand of 1.5 million tonnes. Industry leaders have voiced concerns about the slow pace of progress, with IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh noting that “SAF volumes are increasing, but disappointingly slowly.”
SAF can be produced through nine certified pathways, with the most common method, hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), converting waste oils, fats, and other biomass into jet fuel. Other pathways, such as alcohol-to-jet and synthetic paraffinic kerosene, offer different feedstock options and carbon intensity profiles. The sustainability of SAF hinges on its closed-loop carbon cycle: the CO₂ emitted during combustion is offset by the CO₂ absorbed during feedstock growth, provided the feedstocks and processes are carefully managed.
Delta Air Lines has positioned itself as an industry leader in SAF adoption. In 2021, the airline pledged to use SAF for at least 10% of its fuel by 2030, a commitment that requires procuring over 400 million gallons of SAF annually by the decade’s end. Delta has already secured long-term contracts for 200 million gallons, representing about half of its 2030 goal.
The airline’s focus on SAF is driven by the fact that approximately 90% of its direct (Scope 1) emissions stem from jet fuel. As Delta’s senior vice president of sustainability, Gail Grimmett, explained, “Our Scope 1 is massive. Anything beyond Scope 1 is like a rounding error.” Delta’s SAF usage has grown rapidly, with 3.5 million gallons blended in 2023 and over 13 million gallons delivered in 2024, more than triple the previous year. These efforts have helped Delta avoid approximately 32,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions from operations at major airports.
Beyond procurement, Delta invests in SAF production infrastructure and policy advocacy. The airline supports a Minnesota production hub benefiting from a $1.50 per gallon state tax credit and participates in industry coalitions to promote favorable SAF policies. Delta’s collaborative approach reflects a broader industry recognition that achieving climate goals requires cooperation rather than competition among airlines. “This isn’t a competition amongst us. We’ve gotta work together on this.” – Gail Grimmett, Delta Air Lines
The Delta-Shell-PDX partnership stands as a significant step in expanding SAF’s reach in the United States. The Delivery of over 400,000 gallons of blended SAF to PDX in September 2024 marked the airport’s first commercial-scale SAF operation. The fuel was produced in the U.S. from waste-derived feedstock, with Shell supplying the neat SAF to Zenith Terminal in Portland, where it was blended with traditional jet fuel before being delivered to PDX.
This delivery required coordination among multiple stakeholders and leveraged existing infrastructure, demonstrating that SAF can be integrated into conventional fuel systems without major new investments. Delta’s SAF director, Charlotte Lollar, highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, “Every SAF delivery is a powerful example of how industry collaboration can unlock markets for sustainable aviation fuel.”
The Port of Portland’s support aligns with its broader sustainability commitments. Zenith Energy’s Portland terminal, a key player in the supply chain, has committed to transitioning 100% of its crude oil storage to renewable fuels by 2027. Already, 66% of its storage is dedicated to renewables, making it a leading facility in the region.
The SAF supply chain is complex, involving feedstock collection, production, blending, storage, and distribution. Zenith Energy’s Portland terminal has become a key hub, receiving its first SAF shipment from Montana Renewables in June 2023. Montana Renewables is expanding its capacity from 30 million to 300 million gallons annually by 2028, supported by a $1.44 billion U.S. Department of Energy loan. This expansion will double feedstock purchases to 3 billion pounds per year, positioning the facility as a global SAF leader.
Shell Aviation plays an intermediary role, leveraging its logistics expertise to move SAF from production sites to airports. The company aims for 10% of its aviation jet fuel sales to be SAF by 2030, necessitating significant investment in blending and distribution infrastructure.
Book-and-claim systems are emerging to address supply limitations, allowing airlines to purchase the environmental attributes of SAF even when the fuel is not physically delivered to their departure airport. This mechanism supports broader market access and demand for SAF.
“The integration of SAF into established fuel infrastructure demonstrates how sustainable fuels can leverage existing petroleum networks while gradually transforming their composition toward renewables.”
SAF remains significantly more expensive than conventional jet fuel, costing 3–5 times as much on average. The cost premium is due to limited scale, feedstock constraints, and higher processing costs. In Europe, additional compliance fees linked to regulatory mandates have further increased prices.
Policy support is crucial for bridging the economic gap. The U.S. federal 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, created by the Inflation Reduction Act, provides up to $1.75 per gallon for SAF, with additional incentives at the state level in Minnesota and emerging programs in Illinois, Michigan, and Nebraska. Oregon’s Clean Fuels Program and California’s partnership with Airlines for America are also driving market development. Internationally, harmonized standards and incentives are essential due to aviation’s global nature. The IATA advocates for technology- and feedstock-neutral policies, with mandates used alongside innovation support and cost-reduction programs. Compliance with schemes like CORSIA adds further financial pressure, reinforcing the need for affordable, high-integrity SAF.
SAF offers significant environmental advantages beyond CO₂ reduction. It can cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% and dramatically reduce particulate and sulfur emissions, improving air quality around airports. The use of waste-derived feedstocks also supports circular economy principles, turning waste oils and fats into valuable fuel.
However, scaling SAF raises questions about feedstock sustainability, land use, and lifecycle impacts. Waste feedstocks provide the greatest carbon benefits but are limited in supply, prompting research into purpose-grown energy crops and synthetic fuels. Robust lifecycle assessments and monitoring are essential to ensure claimed emissions reductions are real and additional.
The shift to domestic SAF production enhances energy security and supports rural economies, especially as recent policy changes require American-controlled production and North American feedstocks. Water management and land use must be carefully considered to avoid unintended consequences as production expands.
The Delta-Shell-Portland partnership for the first commercial-scale SAF uplift at PDX is a landmark in aviation’s transition to Sustainability. It demonstrates the technical, logistical, and collaborative requirements for integrating SAF into existing airport fuel systems and sets a replicable model for other airports and regions. While SAF currently accounts for a small fraction of global jet fuel use, the Portland achievement shows the potential for rapid growth through coordinated investment and policy support.
Looking ahead, scaling SAF will demand continued investment in production capacity, technological innovation to address feedstock and cost challenges, and robust policy frameworks at all levels. The experience gained from early deployments will inform industry best practices and infrastructure planning, supporting the broader goal of aviation decarbonization by 2050. As more airlines, airports, and fuel suppliers join the effort, the foundation is being laid for a sustainable future for air travel.
What is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)? Why is SAF important for aviation? What challenges does SAF face? How does the Portland International Airport SAF delivery impact the industry? What role do policy incentives play in SAF adoption? Sources: Delta News Hub
Delta’s Historic Partnership with Shell and Portland International Airport Marks Milestone in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Deployment
Background and Context of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development
Delta’s Strategic Approach to Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The Portland International Airport Partnership Details
Infrastructure, Economics, and Policy Frameworks
Supply Chain and Production Capacity
Economic and Regulatory Challenges
Environmental Benefits and Industry Implications
Conclusion
FAQ
SAF is a renewable alternative to conventional jet fuel, produced from waste oils, fats, biomass, or synthetic sources. It can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% and is compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure.
SAF is currently the most viable near-term solution for decarbonizing aviation, as electrification is not practical for most commercial flights. It provides substantial emissions reductions and can be integrated using existing supply chains.
Key challenges include high production costs, limited feedstock availability, the need for infrastructure adaptation, and the requirement for supportive policy frameworks. Scaling up production and achieving cost parity with conventional fuel remain major hurdles.
The first commercial-scale SAF uplift at PDX demonstrates the feasibility of integrating SAF into conventional airport fuel systems and provides a model for industry-wide adoption through collaboration and infrastructure adaptation.
Policy incentives such as federal and state tax credits, low-carbon fuel standards, and regulatory mandates are essential for bridging the economic gap between SAF and conventional jet fuel, encouraging investment and market growth.
Photo Credit: Delta Air Lines
Sustainable Aviation
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines Partner for Hawaii SAF Production by 2026
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines join Par Hawaii and Pono Energy to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel locally with a $90M refinery upgrade, targeting 2026 deliveries.
This article is based on an official press release from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
In a significant move toward energy independence and decarbonization, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have announced a strategic partnership with Par Hawaii and Pono Energy to establish the first local supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Hawaii. According to the joint announcement, the consortium aims to begin deliveries of locally produced SAF by early 2026.
The collaboration brings together the state’s largest energy provider, its primary air carriers, and local agricultural innovators. The project centers on upgrading Par Hawaii’s Kapolei refinery to process renewable feedstocks, specifically Camelina sativa, a cover crop that will be grown on fallow agricultural land across the islands. This “farm-to-flight” ecosystem is designed to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint while diversifying Hawaii’s economy.
The airlines have committed to purchasing the SAF produced, providing the guaranteed demand necessary to make the project commercially viable. This agreement aligns with both carriers’ long-term goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Par Hawaii is spearheading the infrastructure development required to make local SAF a reality. According to project details summarized in the announcement and related reports, the company is investing approximately $90 million to upgrade its Kapolei refinery. This facility, the only refinery in the state, will convert a distillate hydrotreater to produce renewable fuels.
The upgraded unit will utilize HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology, a mature method for producing bio-jet fuel. Once operational, the facility is expected to have a significant output capacity.
In a joint statement, the partners emphasized the dual benefits of the initiative:
“This initiative will enable SAF production for more sustainable future flying and deliver economic benefits through the creation of a new energy sector and fuel supply chain in Hawai‘i.”
, Joint Press Statement, Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines
A critical component of this partnership is the sourcing of sustainable feedstock. Pono Energy, a subsidiary of Pono Pacific, will lead the agricultural operations. The project relies on Camelina sativa, a fast-growing, drought-tolerant oilseed crop that matures in 60 to 75 days. According to Pono Pacific, Camelina is ideal for Hawaii because it can be grown as a cover crop between other food crop rotations. This ensures that fuel production does not displace local food production. The crop helps prevent soil erosion, requires minimal water, and produces a high-protein “seedcake” byproduct that can be used as FDA-approved animal feed for local ranchers.
Chris Bennett, VP of Sustainable Energy Solutions at Pono Pacific, highlighted the circular nature of the project:
“Camelina represents a rare opportunity for Hawai‘i to build a true circular-economy model around renewable fuels.”
, Chris Bennett, Pono Pacific
The project is projected to support approximately 300 high-value manufacturing jobs at the refinery, in addition to creating new agricultural jobs for farming and harvesting. By producing fuel locally, the partnership aims to reduce Hawaii’s extreme dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing the state’s energy security.
The Cost and Scale Challenge
While this partnership marks a pivotal step for Hawaii, significant hurdles remain regarding cost and scale. SAF is currently estimated to be two to three times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. Without substantial subsidies or “green premiums” paid by corporate customers or passengers, this price differential poses a challenge for airlines operating in a price-sensitive leisure market like Hawaii.
Furthermore, while the projected 61 million gallons of renewable fuel is a substantial figure, it represents only a fraction of the total jet fuel consumed by commercial aviation in Hawaii. To run the refinery at full capacity, the facility will likely need to supplement local Camelina oil with imported waste oils, such as used cooking oil, until local agricultural production scales up. The success of this initiative will likely depend on the continued support of federal incentives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, and state-level renewable fuel tax credits.
When will the new SAF be available? What is SAF? Will this project affect local food supply? Who is funding the refinery upgrade?
Hawaii Aviation Leaders Unite for Local SAF Production
Investment and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Role of Pono Energy and Camelina Sativa
Sustainable Agriculture
Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The partners expect the first deliveries of locally produced SAF to begin in early 2026.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a liquid fuel currently used in commercial aviation which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80%. It is produced from renewable feedstocks rather than crude oil.
No. The feedstock, Camelina sativa, is grown as a cover crop on fallow land or between food crop rotations, meaning it does not compete with food production.
Par Hawaii is leading the capital investment, estimated at $90 million, to upgrade the Kapolei refinery.
Sources
Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines
Sustainable Aviation
KLM Supports National SAF Fund to Strengthen Dutch Economy
KLM endorses the Wennink report urging a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel fund and €151-187B investment by 2035 to support Dutch economic growth.
On December 12, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines officially endorsed the findings of the newly released advisory report, “The Route to Future Prosperity” (De weg naar toekomstige welvaart). Authored by former ASML CEO Peter Wennink, the report outlines a strategic roadmap for the Dutch economy, emphasizing the need for significant investment to maintain national competitiveness.
Central to KLM’s endorsement is the report’s recommendation for the Dutch government to establish a national SAF fund. The airline argues that such a financial mechanism is critical to bridging the price gap between fossil kerosene and renewable alternatives, thereby accelerating the aviation sector’s transition to Sustainability without compromising the Netherlands’ economic standing.
Commissioned to analyze the Dutch Investments climate, the Wennink report warns that the Netherlands risks economic stagnation if it does not increase its annual growth rate to between 1.5% and 2%. According to the findings, maintaining current social standards, including healthcare, defense, and the energy transition, requires a massive capital injection.
The report estimates that an additional €151 billion to €187 billion in investment is needed by 2035 to modernize the economy. It identifies specific high-productivity sectors as essential pillars for future prosperity, including Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, and aviation.
KLM has aligned itself with these findings, noting that a thriving business climate relies heavily on international connectivity. In its statement, the airline emphasized that the connectivity provided by Schiphol Airport is vital for Dutch trade and for attracting international headquarters to the region.
A key pillar of the aviation Strategy proposed in the report is the creation of a government-backed fund dedicated to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Currently, SAF is significantly more expensive than traditional fossil kerosene, often three to four times the price, and suffers from limited supply availability.
KLM posits that a national fund would act as a catalyst to solve these market inefficiencies. By subsidizing the cost difference, the fund would make SAF more affordable for Airlines, ensuring they remain competitive against non-EU carriers that may not face similar sustainability mandates. Furthermore, the fund is intended to de-risk long-term investments for energy companies, encouraging the construction of domestic refineries, such as the facilities planned in Delfzijl.
“Such a fund would enable the Netherlands to accelerate the production of alternative aviation fuels and make them more affordable, thereby accelerating the sector’s sustainability.”
— KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM used the release of the Wennink report to argue against unilateral national taxes or flight restrictions, which have been subjects of recent political debate in the Netherlands. The airline warns that such measures could harm the Dutch economy by reducing connectivity and driving business elsewhere.
Instead, KLM advocates for incentivizing sustainability. The airline suggests that the government must take a more active role in the energy transition rather than relying solely on industry mandates. According to the press release, “Real progress can only be achieved if government and industry work together and if the government takes a more active role.”
The endorsement of the Wennink report represents a strategic pivot for KLM, moving the conversation from “flight shaming” to economic necessity. By aligning its sustainability goals with the broader “Draghi-style” warnings about European competitiveness, KLM is positioning aviation not just as a transport sector, but as a geopolitical asset essential for the Netherlands’ survival as a trading nation.
However, this call for government funding comes amidst a complex backdrop. In 2024, KLM faced legal scrutiny regarding “greenwashing” allegations, with courts ruling that some “Fly Responsibly” advertisements painted an overly optimistic picture of SAF’s immediate impact. The push for a national fund can be interpreted as a tacit admission that the industry cannot achieve its 2030 and 2050 climate targets through market forces alone; without state intervention to lower the cost of SAF, the “green” transition remains economically unfeasible for legacy carriers.
KLM Backs Wennink Report, Calls for National SAF Fund to Secure Dutch Economic Future
The Wennink Report: A Call for Investment
The Proposal for a National SAF Fund
Strategic Competitiveness vs. Taxation
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: KLM
Sustainable Aviation
Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères Launch Book and Claim Model for HEMS SAF
Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères partner to use Book and Claim for Sustainable Aviation Fuel credits in Catalonia’s remote emergency medical services.
On December 10, 2025, Airbus Helicopters and the French operator SAF Hélicoptères announced a strategic partnership designed to decarbonize emergency medical services (HEMS) in Catalonia, Spain. The initiative utilizes a “Book and Claim” mechanism to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) credits to operations that physically cannot access the fuel, marking a significant shift in how remote aviation sectors approach environmental compliance.
The project focuses on two Airbus H145 helicopters operated by SAF Hélicoptères for the Catalan Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services. According to the announcement, this arrangement allows the operator to reduce its carbon footprint despite the logistical impossibility of delivering physical biofuels to small, decentralized hospital helipads.
Emergency medical missions present a unique challenge for decarbonization. Unlike commercial airlines that refuel at major hubs with established infrastructure, HEMS helicopters often operate from remote bases or hospital rooftops. Transporting small quantities of SAF to these scattered locations by truck would be inefficient and could generate more carbon emissions than the biofuel saves.
To solve this, Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères have adopted the “Book and Claim” model. Under this system, the operator purchases SAF “certificates” representing the environmental benefits of the fuel. The physical fuel is then pumped into the aviation system at a central location, such as a major airport, where it is consumed by other aircraft. SAF Hélicoptères then claims the carbon reduction for its specific HEMS missions in Catalonia.
Jean-Louis Camus, Co-director of SAF Hélicoptères, explained the contractual necessity of this arrangement in the company’s statement:
“In my contract, I state that I will pay the equivalent of a portion of my helicopters’ fuel usage in exchange for a certificate.”
Airbus Helicopters is acting as the market facilitator in this pilot program. According to the release, the manufacturer purchases SAF certificates in bulk from producers and resells them to smaller operators. This approach is intended to “de-risk” the process for customers who may lack the purchasing power to negotiate large fuel contracts independently.
Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Airbus, highlighted the company’s objective to democratize access to green fuels:
“For a lot of smaller operators, getting access to SAF can be challenging… Airbus can simplify and derisk the process.”
To ensure transparency and prevent “double counting”, where two different parties might claim the same environmental benefit, the initiative utilizes a registry managed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). This certification ensures that once the carbon reduction is claimed by the HEMS operator, it cannot be claimed by the entity physically burning the fuel at the central hub. While the “Book and Claim” model solves the immediate logistical hurdles for HEMS operators, it faces a complex regulatory landscape. As of late 2025, major frameworks like the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the ReFuelEU initiative prioritize the physical supply of fuel at mandated airports. Consequently, “Book and Claim” systems are not yet fully recognized for meeting all national compliance targets, creating a temporary regulatory gap.
Furthermore, while this system reduces Scope 3 emissions for clients like the Catalan Department of Health, the cost of SAF remains significantly higher, often 2 to 8 times that of conventional jet fuel. The willingness of public health administrations to absorb these costs signals a shift in public tenders, where environmental compliance is becoming a non-negotiable requirement for government contracts.
The deployment in Catalonia serves as a proof-of-concept for the wider industry. Juan Carlos Gomez Herrera, representing the Catalan Administration, noted that the initiative aligns with their broader public health mandate, viewing environmental responsibility as an extension of immediate medical care.
By decoupling the physical fuel from its environmental attributes, Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères are demonstrating a viable pathway for decarbonizing decentralized aviation sectors that have previously been left behind by airport-centric green policies.
Sources: Airbus
New “Book and Claim” Model Brings Sustainable Fuel to Remote Air Ambulances
Overcoming the “Last Mile” Logistics Challenge
The Role of Airbus and Certification
AirPro News Analysis: The Regulatory Gap
A Model for Future Operations
Photo Credit: Airbus
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