Sustainable aviation fuels are derived from renewable resources and generate fewer carbon emissions than standard aviation fuel. The blended fuel secured by Amazon Air includes feedstock of inedible agricultural waste fats and oils and has the power to reduce carbon emissions by up to 20%.
SAF is produced by World Energy, one of the largest and longest-serving advanced biofuel suppliers in North America. World Energy and Shell collaborated to develop an SAF solution to enable businesses to decarbonize aviation. Amazon Air then worked with Shell Aviation to secure the fuel, which will be added to the existing fuel supply at select airports where the company operates, to be used by its partners and other carriers. When SAF is used, it has the power to reduce carbon emissions by replacing up to 6 million gallons of conventional aviation fuel with a sustainable alternative. Amazon Air's investment in SAF will help to reduce carbon emissions from operations, while also building confidence in the sustainable fuel industry.
"Development of more efficient air cargo solutions is critical to achieving our goal of net-zero carbon across Amazon by 2040," said Sarah Rhoads, vice president of Amazon Global Air. "We're already reducing carbon across our air network, from our ground operations—where we were the first to use electric main deck loaders in North America—to our fleet and network design. Using sustainable aviation fuel is a natural next step, and one that calls for continued action. We encourage other companies to join us in the effort to engage with suppliers to create more fuel alternatives."
“Sustainability is already a focus at our Amazon Air Regional Air Hubs, with investments in leading-edge electric ground service equipment to replace diesel-powered alternatives, and solar rooftop panels atop new air cargo facilities. Amazon Air will continue to explore more ways to make our dedicated air operations—both in the air and on the ground—even more sustainable,” the company said.
Amazon recently launched the Climate Pledge Fund, a $2 billion fund to back visionary companies whose products and services will facilitate the transition to a zero-carbon economy.
