Agreement between Delta and Gevo boosts SAF market

Delta Air Lines announced a new partnership with Gevo, renewable chemicals, and biofuels production company, that will facilitate the airline’s access to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and will help to expand its market.

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The agreement provides for the supply of 75 million gallons of SAF per year from mid-2026 for seven years. Therefore the deal is in line with Delta’s goal of supplying 10 percent of its operations with sustainable fuels by the end of 2030.

However, it is not sufficient on its own to achieve this goal. As reported by Delta, the company would need to secure 400 million gallons per year to fuel one out of ten flights with SAF. To sustain its full operation, it would need 4 billion gallons annually.

These numbers clash with the current reality of the incipient SAF market. Production and supply are still limited. Consequently, costs are high compared to traditional fuel. All currently available SAF would be sufficient for only one day of Delta operations at pre-pandemic levels.

Although its use is not widespread, the industry is working on its development and implementation. Given the current impracticality of commercial flights powered by electric power or other sources, sustainable aviation fuel is one of the main alternatives available in the near term.

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About SAF

SAF reduces greenhouse gas emissions at every stage of its production and use. Currently, due to its compatibility with existing infrastructure and engines, it is used blended with traditional fuel from fossil sources, although the industry is working to gradually increase its use.

Pam Fletcher, Delta’s Director of Sustainability, noted that «SAF is an existing technology that is crucial for the industry to reach its zero-emission goals». She also remarked that it is the industry’s best opportunity to «achieve a significant reduction in air travel emissions» but reminded that «the market needs investment and commitment from all stakeholders».

Other Delta actions

In 2021, Delta joined the First Movers Coalition, a public-private partnership to support the development of innovative emissions reduction technologies. That year it purchased more than 300,000 gallons of SAF.

See also: Delta Air Lines takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo