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
Airbus-led ECLIF-X Campaign Studies Aviation Non-CO2 Emissions 2025-2027
The ECLIF-X campaign investigates how low-sulphur and low-aromatic fuels reduce contrail formation and non-CO2 emissions in aviation from 2025 to 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
In a closely coordinated chase across the sky, the aviation industry is taking aim at one of its most visible and complex climate challenges: condensation trails. While carbon dioxide emissions have long dominated sustainability discussions, recent scientific consensus highlights that non-CO2 emissions account for a significant portion of commercial aviation’s total climate warming impact.
To address this, Airbus, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney have launched ECLIF-X (Emissions and Climate Impact of alternative Fuels – X). According to an official Airbus press release, this joint research campaign utilizes a “flying laboratory” to investigate the effects of fuel composition on aviation’s non-CO2 impact.
Running from 2025 to 2027, the ECLIF-X campaign captures real-time data on how low-sulphur and low-aromatic fuels interact with advanced engine combustors. At AirPro News, we recognize this initiative as a critical step toward understanding and mitigating the formation of climate-warming contrails before new environmental regulations take full effect.
The methodology behind the ECLIF-X campaign involves two aircraft flying in tandem at cruising altitude. The “emitter” is an Airbus A321XLR test aircraft (registration MSN11058), powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines. Research reports indicate these engines are equipped with the TALON-X rich-burn combustor, a technology specifically designed to reduce soot emissions. During the tests, the A321XLR is flown with three different types of fuel to compare their respective emission profiles.
Following closely behind is the “sniffer,” DLR’s heavily instrumented Falcon 20E research aircraft. Drawing on over 30 years of atmospheric research expertise, DLR scientists pilot the Falcon 20E directly into the exhaust wake of the A321XLR.
Flying at distances of just 50 to 300 meters, the Falcon 20E captures precise, real-time data on the physical and chemical properties of the emissions before they dissipate.
This proximity allows researchers to analyze the exhaust plume in real-time, providing unprecedented insights into the immediate atmospheric reactions triggered by different fuel blends.
Contrails are line-shaped ice clouds that form when hot, humid engine exhaust mixes with cold, high-altitude air. Depending on atmospheric conditions, these contrails can persist and spread into cirrus clouds that trap outgoing infrared radiation from the Earth. According to industry research, studies suggest that non-CO2 effects could represent anywhere from 35% to roughly two-thirds of aviation’s total accumulated climate impact. Airbus refers to the microphysics of contrail formation as the “sticky seed” problem. Conventional jet fuel contains aromatic compounds, which are the primary precursors for soot particles during combustion. These soot particles act as the foundational condensation nuclei, or “seeds,” for contrails. Furthermore, even trace amounts of sulphur in jet fuel result in the formation of sulphuric acid. This acid coats the soot particles, making them “sticky” and highly attractive to water vapor.
By utilizing fuels with low aromatics and low sulphur, such as highly refined Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), engines produce significantly fewer soot particles and less sulphuric acid. Fewer seeds mean fewer ice crystals, resulting in contrails that are thinner, shorter-lived, or completely prevented.
The current campaign builds upon the landmark ECLIF3 study, which concluded in 2024. Data from ECLIF3 proved that flying on 100% SAF reduced the number of contrail ice crystals by 56% and cut the overall climate-warming impact of contrails by at least 26% compared to conventional jet fuel.
The ECLIF-X research arrives at a critical regulatory juncture. As of January 2025, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) requires airlines to monitor and report their non-CO2 effects. With the first verified reports due in 2026, the industry faces immediate pressure to understand and quantify these emissions.
The introduction of the EU’s Non-CO2 Aviation Effects Tracking System (NEATS) means airlines are now legally required to track these metrics. Research initiatives like ECLIF-X provide the foundational science necessary to create accurate monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) models for the commercial aviation sector.
We view the ECLIF-X campaign as a pivotal transition point for airline operations. Historically, the push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel has been framed almost entirely around lifecycle carbon reduction. However, the empirical data gathered by Airbus and DLR highlights a crucial dual benefit: SAF physically alters the clouds aircraft leave behind.
Beyond fuel certification, this research paves the way for “climate-friendly routing.” As airlines and meteorologists better understand exactly how and when contrails form, flight dispatchers could soon pair clean fuels with tactical flight path adjustments to avoid atmospheric regions prone to persistent contrail formation. This operational shift will likely become a standard practice as regulatory bodies tighten non-CO2 reporting requirements.
Sources: Airbus
The ECLIF-X Campaign: A High-Altitude Chase
The Emitter and the Sniffer
Decoding the “Sticky Seed” Problem
How Contrails Form and Trap Heat
Building on Previous Success
Regulatory Urgency and Future Operations
EU ETS and NEATS Compliance
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
ECLIF-X (Emissions and Climate Impact of alternative Fuels – X) is a joint research initiative by Airbus, DLR, and Pratt & Whitney running from 2025 to 2027 to study how fuel composition affects contrail formation.
Persistent contrails can spread into cirrus clouds that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Studies indicate these non-CO2 emissions account for 35% to two-thirds of aviation’s total climate impact.
Soot and sulphuric acid from conventional jet fuel create “sticky” particles that attract water vapor, forming the ice crystals that make up contrails. Low-sulphur and low-aromatic fuels reduce these seeds.
Under the EU ETS, airlines were required to begin monitoring non-CO2 effects in January 2025, with the first verified reports due in 2026.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Sustainable Aviation
SHEIN Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel Use with DHL Partnership
SHEIN partners with DHL Express to pilot Sustainable Aviation Fuel in air freight, supporting emissions reduction amid market and regulatory challenges.
This article is based on an official press release from SHEIN.
On March 24, 2026, global fashion retailer SHEIN announced a new agreement with DHL Express to utilize the logistics provider’s GoGreen Plus service. This initiative integrates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) into SHEIN’s international air freight operations, marking another step in the company’s efforts to address lifecycle emissions associated with its supply chain.
According to the official press release, the partnership is designed as an early-stage pilot to help the retailer evaluate economic feasibility, certification frameworks, and operational integration. SHEIN explicitly acknowledges that the immediate emissions impact will be modest relative to its total air transport footprint, reflecting broader constraints in the global SAF market where alternative fuels represent only a fraction of conventional jet fuel supply.
We note that this move builds upon SHEIN’s previous SAF pilot programs initiated in 2025, signaling a continued corporate push to support capacity-building activities and demand signaling, particularly within the rapidly evolving Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Under the new agreement, SHEIN will leverage DHL’s GoGreen Plus service, which utilizes an “insetting” approach to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than fueling specific cargo planes directly with SAF, the fuel is introduced into DHL’s broader aviation network. The resulting lifecycle emissions reductions are then allocated to SHEIN using internationally recognized carbon accounting and certification frameworks.
“Signing the GoGreen Plus agreement with SHEIN marks another important milestone in DHL Express’s commitment to driving the green transformation of air logistics. As a long-term partner in SHEIN’s global logistics network, we are pleased to work together to explore how sustainable aviation fuel can be integrated into their air cargo operations.”
The DHL partnership is part of a broader, multi-carrier strategy. Industry research highlights that in 2025, SHEIN procured 187.3 tonnes of SAF across 14 Atlas Air charter flights, achieving an estimated emissions reduction of 579.1 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e). Furthermore, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lufthansa Cargo in August 2025 to accelerate SAF adoption.
Regionally, SHEIN is also participating in a China-based SAF pilot program organized by China National Aviation Fuel (CNAF) and the Second Research Institute of Civil Aviation of China (CASRI). Through this initiative, the retailer plans to procure an initial batch of SAF from Air China Cargo, utilizing traceability mechanisms to track usage.
“Working with partners such as DHL allows us to better understand how sustainable aviation fuel solutions may be incorporated into air cargo logistics. Initiatives like this are part of SHEIN’s broader efforts to explore how emerging approaches across the aviation sector may contribute to addressing carbon emissions associated with air transport.”
SHEIN’s press release notes that wider adoption of SAF remains constrained by limited production capacity and higher costs. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released in December 2025 provides stark context for these limitations. According to IATA, global SAF production reached 1.9 million metric tons in 2025. While this doubled the output of 2024, it still represented only 0.6% of total global jet fuel consumption. Growth is projected to slow slightly in 2026, reaching an estimated 2.4 million metric tons, or roughly 0.8% of global demand. Furthermore, SAF currently trades at two to five times the price of conventional fossil jet fuel. IATA estimates that this premium added approximately $3.6 billion to the aviation industry’s fuel costs in 2025 alone.
The macroeconomic challenges are compounded by regulatory friction. IATA has publicly criticized certain regional mandates, arguing that they have distorted markets and increased compliance costs without guaranteeing adequate fuel supply.
“SAF production growth fell short of expectations as poorly designed mandates stalled momentum in the fledgling SAF industry… If the objective is to increase SAF production to further the decarbonization of aviation, then they [policymakers] need to learn from failure and work with the airline industry to design incentives that will work.”
The press release emphasizes strengthening the demand signal for SAF in the Asia-Pacific region through capacity-building activities. Industry data shows that APAC is currently undergoing a massive shift in SAF infrastructure and regulation, transitioning from voluntary goals to concrete mandates.
Singapore implemented a confirmed goal of 1% SAF by 2026, funded by a passenger levy, while Japan is finalizing a 10% SAF mandate by 2030. South Korea, India, and Indonesia are also rolling out blending roadmaps expected to take effect around 2027.
To support this regulatory push, physical infrastructure is scaling up. Neste operates a significantly expanded SAF refinery in Singapore, and Hong Kong-based EcoCeres is expanding into Malaysia. Additionally, in May 2025, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and GenZero launched “Green Fuel Forward,” an initiative specifically designed to scale SAF demand and build regional capacity for aviation decarbonization in APAC, involving major airlines and logistics firms like DHL.
SHEIN’s latest announcement reflects a maturing corporate approach to aviation decarbonization. By explicitly stating that the emissions impact of these early-stage pilots will be “modest,” the company avoids the pitfalls of greenwashing and aligns its messaging with the stark realities of the global SAF market. The reliance on DHL’s GoGreen Plus “book-and-claim” model highlights that, for global shippers, insetting remains the most viable mechanism to participate in the SAF economy without requiring direct physical access to alternative fuels at every origin airport. As APAC mandates like Singapore’s 2026 target take effect, corporate demand signals from high-volume freight users like SHEIN will be critical in justifying the massive capital expenditures required for regional SAF refineries.
GoGreen Plus is a service offered by DHL Express that allows customers to reduce the Scope 3 carbon emissions associated with their freight. It uses an “insetting” or “book-and-claim” model, where DHL purchases Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and introduces it into its broader aviation network, allocating the certified emissions reductions to the participating customer.
According to December 2025 data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF accounts for only 0.6% of global jet fuel consumption, constrained by limited production capacity and high costs. SAF is currently two to five times more expensive than conventional fossil jet fuel due to the high costs of feedstock collection, complex refining processes, and a lack of scaled production infrastructure globally.
Sources: SHEIN Press Release
Expanding SAF Pilots and Logistics Partnerships
The DHL GoGreen Plus Agreement
Building on 2025 Initiatives
Global Bottlenecks and the Cost of Decarbonization
Production and Pricing Realities
Policy Friction
The Asia-Pacific Momentum
Regulatory Shifts and Capacity Building
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DHL’s GoGreen Plus service?
How much of global aviation fuel is currently SAF?
Why is SAF more expensive than conventional jet fuel?
Photo Credit: SHEIN
Sustainable Aviation
Aviation Capital Group Publishes 2025 Sustainability Report Highlighting Fleet Modernization
Aviation Capital Group’s 2025 Sustainability Report details fleet modernization, emissions reductions, and new sustainability-linked financial commitments.
This article is based on an official press release from Aviation Capital Group.
Aviation Capital Group (ACG), a prominent global full-service aircraft asset manager, has officially p-shed its 2025 Sustainability Report. The document marks the company’s fifth annual review detailing its progress across key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities.
According to the company’s press release, the 2025 report highlights significant strides in fleet modernization and emissions reductions. As the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to decarbonize, aircraft lessors are increasingly prioritizing newer, more fuel-efficient technology to meet long-term climate targets.
The newly released data underscores ACG’s ongoing transition toward a lower-emission portfolio, supported by strategic financial mechanisms and a growing backlog of next-generation aircraft commitments.
In its official press release, ACG reported that new generation, lower-emissions aircraft now account for 79% of its total fleet. This shift is the result of a deliberate fleet renewal strategy executed throughout the year. During 2025, the lessor added 52 new generation aircraft to its portfolio while simultaneously exiting 36 older generation airframes.
These modernization efforts have yielded measurable environmental benefits. ACG stated that it successfully reduced its relative emissions to 13% below its 2018 baseline. Furthermore, the company noted that its portfolio’s relative emissions are now 14% below the broader aviation industry average.
Looking ahead, the lessor continues to build its pipeline of modern aircraft. As of February 2026, ACG has increased its future aircraft commitments to more than 180 aircraft, ensuring a steady influx of fuel-efficient technology in the coming years.
Beyond fleet metrics, the 2025 Sustainability Report outlines ACG’s integration of ESG principles into its financial and corporate operations. The company announced the extension and upsizing of its Sustainability Linked Loan, which now totals $575 million. Additionally, ACG signed its first Sustainability Linked Leases, aligning its leasing structures with environmental performance metrics. On the social responsibility front, the press release highlighted that ACG contributed to more than 20 worthy causes worldwide during the 2025 calendar year.
Company leadership emphasized the importance of these initiatives in the context of broader industry goals.
“I am pleased to share ACG’s 2025 Sustainability Report, which reflects the progress we have made embedding sustainability, social responsibility and governance excellence into all aspects of our business. While the path to achieving net zero by 2050 is becoming increasingly demanding, we remain committed to shaping a sustainable future by deepening our impact as a business and broadening our influence across the wider aviation ecosystem through action, leadership, and collaboration.”
, Thomas Baker, Chief Executive Officer and President of ACG, in a company statement.
We observe that aircraft leasing companies like Aviation Capital Group play a pivotal role in the aviation industry’s transition to net-zero emissions. Because lessors finance a substantial portion of the global commercial fleet, their procurement decisions directly influence the speed at which older, less efficient aircraft are retired.
By tying financial instruments, such as the $575 million Sustainability Linked Loan and newly introduced Sustainability Linked Leases, to environmental targets, lessors create tangible economic incentives for airlines to operate cleaner aircraft. ACG’s reported metric of maintaining portfolio emissions 14% below the industry average demonstrates how aggressive fleet renewal strategies can outpace the broader market’s decarbonization curve.
Founded in 1989, Aviation Capital Group is a premier full-service aircraft asset manager and a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation. According to the company, it has approximately 450 owned, managed, and committed aircraft as of December 31, 2025.
As of the end of 2025, ACG leases its aircraft to roughly 85 airlines operating in approximately 50 countries worldwide.
The company reported that its future aircraft commitments have grown to more than 180 aircraft as of February 2026, focusing heavily on new generation, lower-emissions technology.
Fleet Modernization and Emissions Reductions
Financial Commitments and Corporate Governance
AirPro News analysis
The Leasing Sector’s Role in Aviation Sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Aviation Capital Group (ACG)?
How many airlines does ACG serve?
What are ACG’s future fleet plans?
Sources
Photo Credit: Aviation Capital Group
-
Commercial Aviation6 days agoeasyJet to Fit Ultra-Lightweight Mirus Kestrel Seats on 237 New Aircraft
-
Regulations & Safety5 days agoAir Canada Express Flight 8646 Collision at LaGuardia Airport Investigated
-
Business Aviation4 days agoJacksonville Begins Otto Aerospace Facility for Phantom 3500 Jets
-
Regulations & Safety3 days agoHelicopter Crash Near Kalalau Beach Kauai Kills Three
-
MRO & Manufacturing6 days agoBoeing Completes Wing Join on 777-8 Freighter Advancing Production