Southwest Airlines is bringing sustainable aviation fuel to Chicago Midway International Airport. Earlier today, the airline announced a deal for 3.6 million gallons.
Largest SAF deal in Illinois
Sustainability is one of the most important topics in aviation today. Manufacturers work on planes and engines that reduce emissions, and airlines are constantly looking for alternative fuels. At the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in 2021, member airlines signed a resolution committing to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Earlier today, 
Southwest Airlines
announced the largest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) deal in the state of Illinois. The airline signed an agreement with Valero for a minimum of 3.6 million gallons of neat SAF which equates to nearly 12 million gallons when blended. Additionally, Southwest has the option to purchase up to 25 million gallons in the two-year deal.
Photo: Dorengo5 | Shutterstock
According to the announcement, Diamond Green Diesel will provide the SAF, which will then be blended with Valero’s conventional jet fuel. Funding for the purchase came from Southwest’s Scope 3 SAF Program and the Illinois Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchase Credit.
“Today’s announcement marks a milestone in our efforts to utilize more SAF in our operation. We’re grateful to the state of Illinois for making the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchase Credit available to airlines serving Illinois, and we thank our incredible Corporate Customers for supporting our use of SAF, which is a great example of public-private collaboration that we anticipate will help scale SAF and meet our long-term sustainability goals.” – Michael AuBuchon, Managing Director of Fuel Strategy and Management, Southwest Airlines
Net-zero by 2050
Southwest is one of several airlines that has set a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. On its website, the airline has outlined goals it needs to meet along the way to ensure net-zero is reached.
First, Southwest wants to reduce single-use plastics from inflight service by 50% (by weight) by next year. Also, by 2025, the airline hopes to save 50 million incremental gallons of jet fuel. By 2030, Southwest plans to eliminate single-use plastics where feasible and electrify 50% of eligible ground support equipment.
Photo: Southwest Airlines
By 2035, emissions intensity should be reduced by 50%, and 1.1 billion cumulative gallons of jet fuel should be saved. Southwest wants to reduce the energy utilization index (EUI) by half at its headquarters in Dallas, Texas.
Upgrading the fleet to Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft will help Southwest reduce its emissions. The MAX 7 (not yet certified) and MAX 8 provide a 14% reduction in fuel burn over the previous generation of 737 planes.
Recent Southwest news
In late August, SAFFiRE Renewables, one of the companies owned by Southwest, broke ground on a new facility in Kansas. Once the plant is completed, it will be able to process 10 tons of corn stover daily. The ethanol will be upgraded to SAF, which will have a carbon footprint more than 83% lower than conventional jet fuel.
“SAF is a multi-billion-dollar opportunity that would be transformational for the economy. America’s energy future needs it, our climate goals require it, and our rural communities—including right here in Kansas—sure deserve it.” – Emily Skor, CEO, Growth Energy