This article is based on an official press release from FedEx.

FedEx Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program to DFW and JFK Airports

FedEx has officially expanded its SAF program to include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The logistics giant announced the move on January 29, 2026, marking a significant step in its “Priority Earth” sustainability roadmap. With these additions, FedEx now utilizes SAF at five airports across the United States.

According to the company’s announcement, the expansion is supported by World Fuel Services (WFS), which manages the supply chain and delivery of the fuel. The initiative positions FedEx as the first airline, cargo or passenger, to purchase SAF for regular commercial operations at DFW, a major global logistics hub.

The agreement covers the purchase of approximately 2 million gallons of “neat” (unblended) SAF for these two locations. When combined with agreements for other hubs, FedEx has secured a total of 5 million gallons of neat SAF for delivery throughout 2025.

Operational Details and Supply Chain

While the purchasing agreements are calculated in gallons of “neat” SAF, the fuel actually delivered to aircraft is a blend. Safety regulations currently prohibit the use of 100% SAF in commercial aircraft engines. Consequently, the fuel supplied to FedEx at DFW and JFK is a mixture containing a minimum of 30% neat SAF blended with conventional Jet A fuel.

World Fuel Services facilitates this supply, typically sourcing the renewable component from Valero’s Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) joint venture. The SAF is produced via the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) pathway, utilizing waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil, animal tallow, and distiller’s corn oil. This production method allows for a lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of up to 80% compared to standard petroleum-based jet fuel.

In a statement regarding the logistical achievement, Bradley Hurwitz, Senior Vice President of Supply & Trading at World Fuel Services, noted:

“FedEx’s purchase at DFW and JFK demonstrates how our aviation fuel distribution platform enables carriers to access lower-carbon fuel options with a robust supply chain designed for flexibility and scale.”

Strategic Context: The “Priority Earth” Goal

This expansion is part of FedEx’s broader strategy to achieve carbon-neutral global operations by 2040. The company has set an interim target to source 30% of its total jet fuel from alternative fuels by 2030. The addition of DFW and JFK complements existing SAF programs at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Miami International Airport (MIA).

Karen Blanks Ellis, Chief Sustainability Officer at FedEx, emphasized the progress made over the last year:

“Expanding SAF use by FedEx to include our operations at DFW and JFK caps off a successful year of SAF deployments coast-to-coast. While we know there remains work ahead to procure more SAF… we are proud of our steps forward.”

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of SAF at Dallas-Fort Worth is particularly notable. While pilot programs have existed at DFW since 2021, they were largely limited to business aviation. FedEx’s commitment marks the first regular commercial adoption at the airport, signaling a shift from experimental to operational use in the cargo sector.

However, the industry faces significant headwinds. SAF currently trades at a premium of two to five times the price of conventional jet fuel. Furthermore, global production remains less than 1% of total jet fuel demand. While the “book and claim” system and government incentives like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act help bridge the cost gap, the physical availability of SAF remains the primary bottleneck for large-scale adoption.

By securing 5 million gallons of neat SAF for 2025, FedEx is signaling consistent demand to producers, which is essential for stimulating the investment required to increase production capacity.

Stakeholder Commentary

Airport officials have welcomed the move as a validation of existing infrastructure capabilities. Because the blended fuel is a “drop-in” solution, it requires no modifications to airport storage tanks or hydration systems.

Robert Horton, Vice President of Environmental Affairs at DFW Airport, stated:

“FedEx’s SAF purchase reflects how airlines, airports, and fuel providers work together within existing airport infrastructure to support the development of more sustainable aviation operations.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Neat” SAF?

“Neat” SAF refers to the pure, unblended sustainable fuel. It is not used in aircraft in this form due to safety regulations. Instead, it is blended with conventional jet fuel before delivery. Purchasing agreements often cite “neat” volumes to track the exact amount of renewable content purchased.

Where does FedEx use SAF?

As of early 2026, FedEx utilizes SAF at five U.S. airports: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Miami (MIA).

What is the emission benefit?

The specific SAF used in this agreement, produced via the HEFA pathway, can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

Sources

• FedEx Newsroom
• World Fuel Services