Boeing commits to fly commercial aircraft on 100% SAF by 2030

Boeing has committed to fly all its existing and future commercial aircraft on 100% sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by 2030.

A part of the new long-term sustainability commitment, the aircraft manufacturer will collaborate with regulatory authorities and other partners across the industry to evaluate the changes required to achieve the goal.

Boeing commercial aircraft president and CEO Stan Deal said: “Our industry and customers are committed to addressing climate change, and sustainable aviation fuels are the safest and most measurable solution to reduce aviation carbon emissions in the coming decades.

“We’re committed to working with regulators, engine companies and other key stakeholders to ensure our airplanes and eventually, our industry can fly entirely on sustainable jet fuels.”

The company previously conducted successful test flights to replace petroleum jet fuel with 100% sustainable fuels.

SAFs are developed from various feedstocks, including non-edible plants, agricultural and forestry waste, non-recyclable household waste, industrial plant off-gassing and other sources.

Studies conducted by Air Transport Action Group, US Department of Energy and several others have revealed that SAF reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 80%. The figure is expected to reach 100% in the future.

Boeing chief sustainability officer Chris Raymond said: “Sustainable aviation fuels are proven, used every day, and have the most immediate and greatest potential to reduce carbon emissions in the near and long term when we work together as an industry.”

Last September, Finnish biofuel producer and oil refiner Neste and Shell Aviation signed a SAF supply agreement.