First Airport in the US to test a collaborative circular economy project in the aviation sector

Upon receiving its first delivery of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), in collaboration with Avfuel Corporation and Neste, became the first airport in the United States to test a collaborative circular economy project in the aviation sector.

The successful SAF delivery is part of this pilot project at DFW—the second busiest airport in the world—demonstrating the commercial and technical viability of SAF, while showcasing the potential to close the circularity loop at the airport by providing raw material for the production of renewable fuels. 

“The introduction of sustainable aviation fuel to DFW Airport marks a major milestone in our effort to reduce our sector’s overall carbon footprint. We recognize our future success depends on our ability to protect our natural resources, and we are committed to continuing to serve as an industry leader in sustainable practices.” said Robert Horton, vice president of environmental affairs at DFW Airport.

The circularity project is a great example of cooperation to upcycle and reuse valuable waste materials across the value chain. It begins at the airport, where Neste, via its subsidiary Mahoney Environmental, collects used cooking oil from more than 200 concessionaires who prepare and serve food to airport customers. Neste converts this waste material into renewable fuels, which replace fossil fuel use in the global transport system. 

To complete the circle, Avfuel safely supplied a demonstrative load of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ to DFW Corporate Aviation, the airport’s full-service fixed-base operator (FBO), for its business aviation customers. The 8,000-gallon (approx. 24 metric tons) demonstrative load of SAF reduces carbon emissions by 19 metric tons*—a reduction that could grow significantly if more SAF enters the airport’s fuel pool. Neste’s SAF, in neat form and over the life cycle reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%** compared to fossil jet fuel.

Overall, DFW expects the pilot circular economy program could deliver the same climate benefit as reducing the emissions from 70 passenger vehicles to zero over the course of the year. 

DFW, Avfuel and Neste will continue to explore opportunities to bring more SAF to the airport. This could potentially include making the fuel available to commercial and cargo airlines. DFW’s goal is to become a net-zero operation by 2030, and it views SAF as an essential component of enabling its partners to achieve their emissions reduction goals.

“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. 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.” said Chris Cooper, Neste’s vice president of renewable aviation in North America.

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.”

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates solutions for combating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. We refine waste, residues and innovative raw materials into renewable fuels and sustainable feedstock for plastics and other materials.

We are the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, developing chemical recycling to combat the plastic waste challenge. We aim at helping customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with our renewable and circular solutions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030. As a technologically advanced refiner of high-quality oil products with a commitment to reach carbon-neutral production by 2035, we are also introducing renewable and recycled raw materials such as waste plastic as refinery raw materials.

We have consistently been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable companies. In 2020, Neste’s revenue stood at EUR 11.8 billion, with 94% of the company’s comparable operating profit coming from renewable products. Read more: neste.com

About Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport is one of the most frequently visited superhub airports in the world. Centered between owner cities Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW Airport also serves as a major job generator for the North Texas region by connecting people through business and leisure travel.  

About Avfuel Corporation

Avfuel provides fuel and services—including sustainable fuel and initiatives—to the global aviation industry and is the leading independent supplier in the United States. Established as a supply and logistics company more than 45 years ago, Avfuel is core competent in every aspect that surrounds the delivery of fuel—from refinery to wingtip. Avfuel combines global access with personalized service throughout a fueling network of more than 3,000 locations worldwide and 650+ Avfuel-branded FBOs. Our 100% dedication to aviation demonstrates our passion and commitment to a global community that prospers on the movement of goods and services around the world.

Source(s) and Image(s): Neste, Aufuel, Phoot by Dallas Airport