JFK International Air Terminal Invests in Sustainable Aviation Fuels to Reduce Aviation-Related Carbon Emissions

As part of our support for the aviation industry’s ongoing transition to sustainable innovation fuels (SAFs), JFKIAT purchased 5,000 gallons of SAFs in collaboration with Delta Air Lines. As an alternative to jet fuel, SAFs are biofuels comprised from renewable biomass and waste resources that have the potential to provide the same performance yet significantly reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions when compared to conventional jet fuel.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions make up 9-12 percent of U.S. transportation emissions. While jet fuel emits high concentrations of carbon into the atmosphere, SAFs reduce carbon emissions through aggregated sustainable resources. SAFs – which can power all existing aircraft models – reduce lifecycle carbon emissions of aviation fuel by up to 80 percent as compared to conventional jet fuel, according to the International Air Transport Association.

“As a leader in sustainability, JFKIAT is always looking for opportunities to invest in environmentally friendly programs to reduce our carbon footprint and drive forward our innovative sustainability initiatives,” said Roel Huinink, President & CEO of JFKIAT. “We are proud to collaborate with Delta Air Lines to implement this innovative program and further our mission of building a more sustainable aviation industry.”

This investment in SAFs is part of our larger efforts to promote sustainability within JFK T4 and the greater Queens community. We also recently launched a zero-waste station at T4, powered by artificial intelligence, to increase recycling, composting, and diversion rates. In 2022, JFKIAT became the first existing airport terminal in the U.S. to earn LEED Platinum recognition for pre-existing air terminals. At JFKIAT, we continue to develop initiatives focused on energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reduction, climate resiliency, water conservation, waste management, indoor air quality, biodiversity, and sustainable transportation.