American Airlines doubled its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) last year as it works to curtail its use of conventional jet fuel and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The carrier used 2.5mn USG of SAF in 2022, about double what it used in 2021, according to its latest sustainability report. That accounts for about 0.07pc of the 3.6bn USG of fuel used in 2022.
American is aiming to replace 10pc of its jet fuel use with SAF by 2030, a move it says will avoid about 3.5mn metric tonnes/yr of CO2 emissions. Jet fuel accounts for 93pc of the company's carbon footprint, according to the report.
Although SAF currently makes up only a small share of its fuel use, American says it has signed commitments for 620mn USG from 2025-2030, which would be enough to meet 25pc of its 2030 goal.
American last year signed an offtake agreement with SAF producer Gevo to purchase 500mn USG of SAF over five years starting in 2026. In addition, starting in 2024, Prometheus Fuels and Aemetis will provide American 10mn USG and 16mn USG of SAF, respectively, over seven years.
American is also aiming to curtail emissions intensity by 45pc by 2035 and reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. Other efforts to reach those goals include purchasing new, more fuel-efficient aircraft and engines, retrofitting aircraft to increase efficiency, electrification of ground service equipment, and investing in hydrogen fuel cell-powered aviation research and development.
