WestJet performed a flight to demonstrate its commitment to the environment by reducing carbon emissions. This Tuesday, flight WS 1511 between Los Angeles (LAX) and Calgary (YYC) performed the first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) operation.
This symbolic service was a joint initiative with Boeing, as all heads of state from across the Americas gathered in Los Angeles, California, for the 9th Summit of the Americas.
Led by Boeing and IATA, WestJet purchased SAF with the intention of drastically reducing emissions in its airline operations. At 12:50 Pacific Time on June 6, the first SAF-powered flight of Canada’s second largest airline took off from LAX and carried 142 passengers to Calgary (YYC), operated by the company’s Boeing 737-8.
“WestJet is proud to join Boeing, IATA and our industry peers today to collectively demonstrate our commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” said Diederik Pen, WestJet’s chief operating officer.
“Sustainable aviation fuels have enormous potential to decarbonize flights and WestJet is committed to furthering our investments to reduce our environmental footprint in the years to come” added Pen.
Held under the theme of this year’s Summit of the Americas, “Building a Sustainable Future,” WestJet’s participation in Tuesday’s event brings together stakeholders, including Boeing, IATA, and the company, are advocates for a future where SAF becomes the standard fuel for flights.
While the mass demonstration is currently constrained by limited production and high costs, it reaffirms calls for political support and encouragement to enable the transition to widespread adoption of SAF.
See also: WestJet inaugurates flights between Toronto and Edinburgh
Cover photo credit: WestJet Press.
