Energy Efficiency, Commercial, Sourcing Renewables  -  September 19, 2018

JetBlue powers first flight with renewable jet fuel blend

JetBlue marked its first-ever flights fueled with a renewable jet fuel blend on Sept. 19 as it received its latest A321 aircraft from Airbus’ U.S. production facility in Mobile, Ala., to be followed on Sept. 20 by JetBlue’s scheduled ferry flight. The fuel for these flights, provided by Airbus and certified by Air BP, consists of 15.5% renewable jet fuel blended with traditional jet fuel.

A statement from JetBlue said four more A321 aircraft will be delivered to JetBlue by the end of 2018 with each of these customer-acceptance and delivery flights powered with renewable jet fuel. "This is another example of JetBlue acknowledging that a sustainable future for aviation will require cooperation between all parts of the industry, said Robin Hayes, Chief Executive Officer, JetBlue. "Renewable jet fuel affirms JetBlue’s belief that we can help define our industry’s future path. Our goal is to serve as a market-maker for renewable jet fuel, creating demand and therefore supporting supply. We’re working closely with Airbus to set up infrastructure for more options in the southeast region."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved renewable jet fuel safe for use. The statement noted that renewable jet fuel is chemically equivalent to conventional jet-A fuel, and poses no difference in performance or safety. To date, thousands of commercial, revenue flights have flown on different types of renewable jet fuel.

With an aviation industry-wide goal to cap net greenhouse gas growth from 2020 onward, the statement says renewable jet fuel is a key aspect of JetBlue’s emissions reduction strategy. In 2016, JetBlue signed a deal and made an offtake agreement with SJ Preston for renewable jet fuel at New York’s JFK Airport. JetBlue is proactive about mitigating the impact of changes in the fuel market by flying more efficient aircraft, optimizing its fuel consumption, and moving to renewable jet fuel.

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