JetBlue has contracted with SG Preston to purchase renewable jet fuel for the next 10 years. According to JetBlue, this is one of the largest renewable biojet fuel purchase agreements to date and the largest, long-term, binding commitment by any global airline for HEFA (hydro-processed esters and fatty acids) based renewable jet fuel.
“The future of aviation relies in part on renewable energy sources. We’re taking a leadership role in technology and other advancements including renewable jet fuels,” said Robin Hayes, president and chief executive officer, JetBlue. “JetBlue is preparing for a world where we must reduce our production of greenhouse gases. With this in mind, we have executed one of the largest renewable jet fuel purchase agreements. This is just one step of many in our work towards a lower carbon future.”
As part of the partnership, SG Preston will produce the aviation biofuel from various plant oils with the goal of the final product achieving a 50 percent or higher reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. JetBlue will purchase more than 33 million gallons of this biojet fuel each year consisting of a blend of 30 percent renewable jet fuel and 70 percent traditional jet fuel. This will equate to approximately 20 percent of its annual fuel consumption at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport.
“This strategic relationship with JetBlue is a continuation of SG Preston’s commitment to develop reliable products from renewable resources at commercial scale and volume for stakeholders who recognize renewable has transcended buzzword status and is a critical component of responsible growth,” said Randy Delbert LeTang, SG Preston founder, chief executive officer and president. “Our strategy is to address the demand versus supply gaps in the industry and align development and delivery mechanisms to meet our customers’ demand in the least disruptive way.”
The biojet fuel is expected to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) qualification for renewable fuel standards, as well as the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials certification standard for sustainable production of biofuels.