Boeing [NYSE: BA] has finalized its largest-ever purchase of blended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), securing 9.4 million gallons (35.6 million liters) to power its U.S. commercial operations in 2024. This significant investment underscores Boeing's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and fostering the global expansion of SAF. Compared to its 2023 procurement, this year's purchase represents a remarkable increase of over 60%.

The acquired fuel, comprising 30% SAF derived from waste by-products like fats, oils, and greases, blended with 70% conventional jet fuel, will support both the Boeing Eco Demonstrator program and operational flights within the United States.

Ryan Faucett, Boeing's vice president of environmental sustainability, emphasized the company's unwavering dedication to safety, quality, and sustainability. He highlighted the pivotal role of sustainable aviation fuel in decarbonizing the aviation sector, revealing that approximately 20% of Boeing's fuel usage consists of SAF blends. Moreover, he emphasized Boeing's ongoing efforts to stimulate the growth of the SAF industry by enhancing accessibility and affordability for commercial airline customers through collaborative initiatives, investments, research endeavors, and policy advocacy.

Unblended SAF, often termed "neat" SAF, holds immense potential for reducing carbon emissions by up to 85% throughout its lifecycle, making it a crucial component in the aviation industry's quest to mitigate its climate impact over the next three decades.

Boeing's procurement strategy involves receiving 4 million gallons of blended SAF directly into its fuel farms located in the Pacific Northwest. EPIC Fuels, a subsidiary of Signature Aviation, will supply 2.5 million gallons sourced from Neste, while Avfuel will contribute 1.5 million gallons of blended SAF, also obtained from Neste.

In addition to the direct purchase, Boeing will acquire the carbon dioxide emissions reduction associated with 5.4 million gallons of blended SAF through a process known as book-and-claim. This method involves the acquisition of SAF certificates to offset conventional jet fuel consumption. Distributors will then deliver the SAF to nearby airports for utilization by airlines and other carriers.

Boeing's book-and-claim transactions will see EPIC Fuels providing 3.5 million gallons of blended SAF manufactured by Neste, while World Fuel Services, a subsidiary of World Kinect, will supply 1.9 million gallons sourced from World Energy.