American Airlines, which operates from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and has a target to consume more than 650 million gallons of low-carbon fuel, increased its yearly usage of SAF by twofold last year. In addition to having a sizable presence at Sky Harbor, Southwest Airlines has established a goal of having net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a 50% decrease by 2035. With American flying the newest fleet among U.S. network carriers, these airlines are also replacing their older, less fuel-efficient aircraft. Improved materials, aerodynamics, and engines are used in these more recent models, which are created by companies like Boeing, to lessen their carbon footprint.
According to Seiden, the aerospace sector is investing in the development of green technologies that can lower carbon emissions now as they move toward long-term net zero objectives.
"The technology is always changing, and there is now a commitment to carbon reduction if you want to be in the international market for air travel or aerospace defense," Seiden added. "Electric battery integration is currently being considered by every airplane company. You need something to fill the gap, like SAF, in order to accomplish that. Win-win situation. Technology has developed a fuel blend that cuts carbon emissions while also acting as a stopgap measure while we wait for further advancements to catch up.