WestJet investing in the future of sustainable aviation fuel in Canada
Airline is the first Canadian operator to offer regular sustainable aviation fuel flights with three-month route commitment from San Francisco to Calgary.
Flight program marks first step in building awareness of importance of sustainable aviation fuel in decarbonization of Canada's airline industry.
Source: | · WEST JET · | November 3, 2022
Source: West Jet
CALGARY, AB, Nov. 3, 2022 /CNW/ - WestJet yesterday announced a three-month commitment to operating all flights, from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Calgary International Airport (YYC) with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced by Neste, the world's leading producer of renewable fuels. The SAF Destination program, a first of its kind in Canada, underpins WestJet's commitment to sustainability and decarbonization.
"We are thrilled that WestJet will be the first Canadian air carrier to operate a dedicated flight route using SAF," said Angela Avery, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer. "This is an integral step in decarbonizing Canada's aviation sector and WestJet is committed to working alongside our partners to reduce our environmental footprint as we aim to drive greater awareness for the importance of a SAF ecosystem in Canada."
Joined by stakeholders from across Alberta and Calgary, including Holly Waeger Monster, U.S. Consul General, George Chahal, Member of Parliament, Calgary Skyview, Alberta, Sonya Savage, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas for the Government of Alberta, Alberta, and Lana van Marter, Manager of Renewable Aviation, Neste. WestJet used the announcement to collaborate with key industry and government partners on the benefits of sustainable aviation fuel and the need for a Canadian production program.
As the first Canadian airline to significantly invest in SAF, WestJet purchased Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel to fly 40 flights over three months from San Francisco to Calgary. WestJet's immediate investment in SAF over the next three months will directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions on these routes by 186 tons, with the equivalent of more than 1550 out of 5300 guests onboard taking a carbon neutral flight enroute to Calgary.
WestJet is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. While widespread access to SAF is currently constrained by limited production and high costs, the airline's newest SAF operated route demonstrates WestJet's strong dedication to being a leader in advocating for this environmental solution that secures a future where SAF is the standard across the airline industry.