Atlantic Aviation and Avfuel To Supply SAF at UN Global Summit

Atlantic’s FBO at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (KASE) will offer 38 metric tons—or two truckloads—of Neste MY SAF. 

“Avfuel is proud to support Atlantic Aviation’s sustainability mission with the provision of SAF, particularly in the renowned Aspen region,” said Keith Sawyer, Avfuel’s manager of alternative fuels, in a press release. “We’re further honored to play a role in this historic event by supplying SAF as aviation’s most effective way to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel, making a meaningful difference that supports the spirit of the United Nations’ meeting.” 

The United Nations’ Mountain Partnership voluntary alliance includes more than 450 members from 96 countries, including national and local governments, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, private sector businesses, and nonprofits. The  meeting—which takes place every four years—will be held September 26-29. 

Dedicated to mountain peoples and environments, this year’s meeting includes speaking appearances by Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, and other dignitaries. 

Atlantic Aviation and Avfuel’s SAF initiative follows the UN’s declaration of 2022 as the International Year of Sustainable Mountain Development.

The use of SAF across commercial and private aviation is shaping up as a major pillar in international initiatives aimed at reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. 

Civil aviation produces about 2 percent of global CO2 emissions, and 3 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions according to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 

Burning Neste MY SAF can reduce an aircraft’s GHG emissions by up to 80 percent, compared to fossil jet fuel, if used in its neat, concentrated form.

Made from sustainably sourced, renewable waste and residue raw materials—such as used cooking oil—SAF’s success faces challenges such as limited production, distribution networks, and airport infrastructure. 

The Neste MY SAF that will be available at KASE contains a 30/70 ratio of SAF to petroleum-based jet fuel. Avfuel says each of the two truckloads of the fuel at the airport will cut carbon emissions by 19 metric tons across its lifecycle—equivalent to the amount of carbon taken out of the air annually by 45 acres of U.S. forests. 

In addition to providing SAF, Atlantic Aviation offsets all aircraft carbon emissions at KASE by purchasing carbon offsets from Carbonfund.org. 

Several major airlines have committed to using SAF across their fleets, as support for SAF has been gaining political momentum. This year, the U.S. and European Parliament passed legislation enacting tax breaks and other initiatives aimed at making SAF more available at airports around the world.