Signature Aviation Achieves Full Supply of Blended SAF at LAX Location
- 16-May-2024 2:14 PM
- Journalist: Jung Hoon
Signature Aviation, the leading global network of private aviation terminals, has reached a significant sustainability milestone by introducing a full supply of blended Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ (SAF) to its Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) facility. This accomplishment reflects the company’s unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and its mission to expedite the aviation sector's embrace of sustainable initiatives.
Having concluded the transition on April 1, Signature LAX now stands as the second private aviation terminal globally to guarantee a full supply of blended SAF, following Signature's site at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This signifies that every gallon of fuel provided to Signature's clientele at these destinations comprises blended SAF. Since consolidating sustainability initiatives under the Signature Renew initiative in 2020, Signature Aviation has made significant strides toward the aviation industry's objective of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer at Signature Aviation, remarked, "This marks a pivotal moment for Signature, and our collaboration with Neste is propelling us forward in our journey toward net zero emissions by delivering a complete supply of blended SAF at our Los Angeles site. This partnership demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with both our customers and partners to hasten the adoption of eco-friendly measures, thus forging a path towards a more sustainable aviation industry."
Signature Aviation has recently surpassed the milestone of delivering over 30 million gallons of SAF across its network, marking a significant stride in carbon emission reduction efforts. The unveiling of this achievement at Signature LAX is expected to substantially increase the volume of SAF dispensed, reinforcing the company's status as a frontrunner in advancing sustainable practices within private aviation.
In partnership with Neste, a key SAF producer, Signature is playing a pivotal role in the aviation industry's endeavors to mitigate emissions. The utilization of Neste MY SAF has the potential to slash greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* throughout the fuel's life cycle, as opposed to conventional jet fuel usage. Neste's SAF is crafted from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue materials, including recycled cooking oil and animal fat waste.
Signature's LAX location offers a blended SAF solution comprising 30% Neste MY SAF and 70% conventional jet fuel. This blend allows partners to realize a 24% reduction in GHG emissions from air travel. Presently, SAF is approved for blending up to 50% with conventional jet fuel.
This announcement further strengthens the longstanding partnership between Signature and Neste, which began in 2020 with the aim of advancing SAF adoption. In 2022, Signature extended the availability of Neste MY SAF to all its California locations, benefiting from Neste's enhanced production capacity and supply capabilities. Neste is poised to boost its global SAF production capacity to 515 million gallons (1.5 million metric tons) per annum by 2024.
Carrie Song, Senior Vice President Commercial, Renewable Products at Neste, expresses, "We are pleased to further develop our partnership with dedicated allies like Signature Aviation, who acknowledge the significant contribution sustainable aviation fuel can make in curbing greenhouse gas emissions from air travel. The provision of blended Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to all patrons at LAX serves as a prime illustration of how the business aviation sector can collaborate with fuel manufacturers to expedite SAF adoption and emission mitigation efforts."
Expanding SAF availability at Signature LAX will further solidify the location's significance within Signature's Book & Claim program. This initiative enables travelers and operators to procure SAF even in areas where it's not physically accessible. By utilizing Book & Claim, operators can still realize the environmental benefits, while the physical SAF is allocated to various aircraft at Signature LAX.