JetBlue Airways To Utilize New York JFK’s First Regular SAF Supply

JetBlue Airways will begin using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for flights from its New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) base, marking the first time SAF will be regularly used at the airport.

World Fuel Services will deliver at least 1 million gal. of fuel to JFK for JetBlue’s use over the next 12 months, but the arrangement could be extended. JetBlue has an option to buy another 4 million gal. of SAF from World Fuel Services.

Diamond Green Diesel, a joint venture between Valero and Darling Ingredients, will produce the fuel, JetBlue says. Valero will blend the SAF with conventional jet fuel.

“The blended SAF is then delivered by World Fuel via existing jet fuel distribution infrastructure where it is claimed by JetBlue for use in their fleet at JFK,” the airline says in a statement.

“Incorporating SAF into our flights is an important lever in decarbonizing the aviation industry,” JetBlue CFO Ursula Hurley says, calling the regular use of SAF at JFK a “big step” for the carrier.

“As the international gateway to the U.S., JFK is leading by example through our work on safe SAF delivery,” says Kevin O’Toole, chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The port runs JFK.

JetBlue already uses SAF regularly at Los Angeles International and San Francisco International airports.

The airline is calling for the U.S. federal government and states to incentive the use of SAF. “Growing the SAF market and expanding adoption nationwide requires public and private collaboration,” JetBlue says. “Proposed federal and state incentives for renewable fuels would support the industry’s transition to SAF, while corporate partnerships offset costs.”