Boeing reaches sustainable fuel supply agreement

Boeing to use SAF across internal aircraft operations Photo: Boeing

Boeing has reached a supply agreement with Epic Fuels for the purchase of two million gallons (7.5 million litres) of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The fuel will be used across the company’s Commercial Airplanes operations in Washington state and South Carolina over 2022.

The agreement is said to be the largest SAF procurement agreement by an airframer.

“SAF is a safe, proven, immediate solution that will help achieve our industry’s long-term commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Sheila Remes, Boeing vice president of Environmental Sustainability. “Boeing has been a pioneer in making sustainable aviation fuels a reality. Through this agreement we will reduce our carbon footprint and have SAF available for customer deliveries as well as our own operations.”

Sustainably-produced jet fuel has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% over the fuel lifecycle. Made from several feedstocks, it is certified for commercial use and can be blended with traditional jet fuel without the need for any modification to aircraft, engines or fuelling infrastructure.

SAF is made from inedible agricultural waste, blending 30% neat SAF with 70% conventional jet fuel.

The purchase will enable broader use of SAF for Boeing commercial production, test, ferry, Dreamlifter and customer flights at facilities in Everett, Renton and Seattle in Washington state and North Charleston, South Carolina.

Epic Fuels will also continue to supply customised blends from 50/50% up to 100% SAF for the Boeing ecoDemonstrator programme, which accelerates innovation by taking promising technologies out of the lab and testing them in the air to solve real-world challenges for airlines and passengers. SAF is currently approved for a 50/50 blend with conventional jet fuel for commercial flights.

Boeing has recently committed to delivering commercial planes which are capable and certified to fly using 100% SAF by 2030.