Recycles Waste Feedstock From Airport Vendors

Dallas Fort Worth International has created the first circular, sustainable economy for sustainable aviation fuel, working with AvFuel and Neste. The initial SAF deliveries began in tandem with their implementation of a pilot project in circularity that recovers raw feedstock for the fuels from the airport premises. The program will attempt to collect used cooking oil from the 200 plus concessionaires who prepare and serve food to airport customers, where Neste will convert the waste into renewable SAF to replace petroleum-based fuels in aviation. 

The first load AvFuel delivered, a demonstrator of Neste MY brand Sustainable Aviation Fuel, was added to local FBO DFW Corporate Aviation for use by its business aviation customers. The 8,000 gallons will reduce local carbon emissions by 19 metric tons. When compared to standard fuel, Neste's SAF is touted as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%. The pilot circular economy program in its current form could deliver the same climate benefit as reducing the emissions from 70 passenger vehicles to zero over the course of one year. The effects could be an interesting case study on the effects of customer-facing green initiatives and their impact on sustainable behaviors, if branding for the program is placed in public view. If passengers and customers see visible evidence of recycling and sustainability throughout their journey, they could feel inspired to do the same. 

If successful, expansion to the program could continue to bring more SAF to the airport. Given the level of development being completed on SAF certification worldwide, integration throughout all operations, even commercial and cargo airlines, would not be a surprising development. DFW's goal, like many aviation entities, is to become a net-zero emissions operation by 2030, a difficult goal without SAF availability. 

“Together we’re charting a bold new flight path that shows airports how they can achieve their climate goals faster and ultimately enable flight operators, businesses and passengers to fly with a smaller carbon footprint,” said Chris Cooper, Neste’s vice president of renewable aviation in North America. “We’re able to do this because all parts of the SAF value chain came together—the airport, the fuel supplier and the producer. And, most importantly, all the partners involved are committed to creating a sustainable future for air travel and fighting climate change.”

Keith Sawyer, Avfuel’s manager of alternative fuels, said, “Avfuel is proud to have supported DFW and Neste in realizing this momentous occasion. DFW and Neste have laid an excellent foundation for sustainability and provide a shining example of how organizations can work together to increase sustainability and promote renewability. The Avfuel team is honored to have played a role in demonstrating that SAF is available for use now and circular solutions are feasible through industry collaboration.”

FMI: www.avfuel.com, www.dfwairport.com