Avfuel and Neste create sustainable aviation fuel partnership

Avfuel and Neste have formed a strategic partnership to create an efficient, continuous supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the US.

Neste will provide Avfuel with SAF in volumes able to meet the growing demands of Avfuel’s customers, including fixed base operators (FBOs), airports, flight departments, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and commercial operators. Avfuel will be a branded SAF distributor for Neste, selling it under the brand name Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel^TM.

The strategic partnership positions Avfuel as one of the first US companies able to supply its customers with SAF on a continuous basis. Monterey Jet Center (KMRY) – an Avfuel-branded FBO in Monterey, California – will be the first customer to receive a consistent supply of SAF, with the first delivery scheduled for 1Q2021.

Craig Sincock, President and CEO of Avfuel, says: ‘This strategic partnership is an exciting development for the industry’s sustainability initiative and a natural next step in response to aviation’s growing demand for SAF… Together, we are able to support aviation’s sustainability goals and enhance supply availability at a commercial scale, filling an immense gap in the industry’s supply chain.’

Neste expects to have the capacity to produce some 1.5mn tonnes (515mn gallons) of SAF annually by 2023. The company’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, renewable waste and residue materials, such as used cooking oil. ‘It is a drop-in fuel that offers an immediate way to directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft, requiring no new investments, modifications or changes to the aircraft or fuel distribution procedures,’ states Neste.

Prior to use, the Neste MY SAF is blended with petroleum-based jet fuel and then the blended product is verified to meet ASTM D-1655 specification for jet fuel. In its neat form and over its lifecycle, Neste claims its SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel. Once blended at a 35% ratio, Avfuel anticipates a 19-tonne reduction in carbon emissions per truck load.

Photo: Avfuel/Neste