Southwest Airlines Champions Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Chicago Midway Airport

Southwest Airlines Champions Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Chicago Midway Airport

Southwest Airlines Champions Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Chicago Midway Airport

In an exciting development for eco-conscious travelers and the aviation industry, Southwest Airlines has announced a significant supply agreement to bring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). This landmark agreement, hailed as the state's largest SAF supply deal, signifies a crucial step toward reducing carbon emissions in air travel.

Under this two-year partnership with Valero Marketing and Supply Company, Southwest will commit to purchasing a minimum of 3.6 million gallons of neat SAF, which will translate to about 12 million gallons when blended with conventional jet fuel. Moreover, the airline has the option to increase this to a whopping 25 million gallons over the contract’s duration, meaning up to 35% of Southwest's jet fuel usage out of MDW could be derived from sustainable sources. This groundbreaking move is set to kick off as early as the fourth quarter of 2024.

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Governor JB Pritzker has expressed his strong support for this initiative, emphasizing his commitment to making Illinois a leader in sustainability and clean energy. He noted that the SAF tax credit introduced last year has already impacted adoption rates across the state. The partnership between Southwest and Chicago Midway International Airport is a vital stride towards a cleaner energy future, showcasing how major airports can lead in promoting sustainable fuel usage.

The neat SAF produced for this agreement will primarily come from waste-based feedstocks, including used cooking oil, animal tallow, and distiller's corn oil. This innovative fuel is projected to achieve an impressive lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reduction of approximately 74% to 84% compared to traditional jet fuel. The SAF will be certified by a CORSIA-approved Sustainability Certification Scheme, ensuring third-party verification of its sustainability credentials.

Senator Tammy Duckworth has also applauded Southwest Airlines for its commitment to sustainable aviation practices, highlighting that increasing the supply of SAF is essential for making American aviation greener. At the federal level, she reiterated her efforts to boost the supply of domestically produced SAF from various feedstocks, creating a win-win situation for American farmers and reducing the nation’s carbon footprint.

Jamie L. Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of major airports in advancing sustainability in aviation. He commended Southwest Airlines for choosing Midway International Airport as a platform for their sustainability efforts, asserting that this initiative would benefit the community, travelers, and the planet for generations to come.

As we look forward to this exciting transition, the partnership between Southwest Airlines and Valero represents a significant stride in the aviation industry's shift toward sustainability. By prioritizing renewable energy sources, we can all play a part in creating a cleaner, greener future for air travel. With SAF expected to hit the market soon, it’s a moment of hope and anticipation for both the aviation sector and environmentally conscious travelers alike.

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