American Airlines and Google have finalized a multi-year agreement focused on the procurement of sustainable aviation fuel. The partnership commits to supporting the deployment of 35 million gallons of the fuel over a three-year period.
Under the terms of the deal, American Airlines will acquire the fuel at Chicago O’Hare International Airport using its current infrastructure. The fuel itself is derived from waste materials, specifically including used cooking oil. Google will receive the environmental credits associated with this fuel through the SAFc Registry system, which tracks and verifies sustainable aviation fuel certificates.
The companies state that this initiative is expected to reduce emissions by nearly 300,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The agreement allows Google to offset emissions linked to employee business travel while simultaneously helping to grow the market for lower-emission fuels.
American Airlines noted that its long-term commitment facilitated a corresponding supply agreement with Valero Marketing and Supply Company. Jill Blickstein, the airline’s chief sustainability officer, stated that the collaboration helps expand demand for these fuels and encourages further market development.
Kate Brandt, Google’s chief sustainability officer, described the deal as an example of how corporations can collaborate to support sustainable technologies and drive investment in production capabilities.
The initiative has received backing from Illinois’ sustainable aviation fuel tax credit program. This state program was introduced by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to promote greater adoption and investment in the sector within Illinois.
