Google has joined an SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) programme run by American Express Global Business Travel with Shell, as part of its aim to reach net zero across all its operations and value chain by 2030.
The programme is powered by Avelia blockchain technology to track the impact of SAF, with the environmental impact can be attributed to both airlines and business customers without double counting.
The move to enable better corporate reporting of lifecycle emissions comes amid criticism of sustainable aviation fuels, which has been described as “unrealistic” and seen as a way to avoid the need to encourage people to fly less.
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Google senior director of climate and energy Michael Terrell: “The use of SAF will play a critical role in helping the aviation sector on its path to decarbonize. Joining Amex GBT’s sustainable aviation fuel program further represents Google’s continued efforts to accelerate the global transition to a carbon-free future”.
“Amex GBT and Shell Aviation’s SAF program demonstrates how the private sector can drive systemic change and help finance aviation’s transition to net zero by bringing together major corporations such as Google, Aon, Bank of America, Delta, Cathay Pacific, JetBlue, and Japan Airlines,” he continued.
He added: “The program is also aggregating clear demand, a foundational step in helping scale the emerging SAF market. The program launched in 2022 with 1 million gallons of SAF available for corporate customers – enough to power almost 15,000 business trips from London-to-New York”
American Express President Andrew Crawley said: “Business travel is a crucial passenger segment for aviation, according for around 15% of air travel globally and generating around 40% of revenues”.
Shell Aviation President added that the move to work alongside Google represents “an important milestone for decarbonising aviation”.
