Canadian aviation industry leaders are coming together to form the Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (C-SAF). In total, over 60 Canadian airlines, suppliers, OEMs, and more have joined the council, with a mission to increase commercial production and usage of SAF in the country.
C-SAF Ecosystem
Members of the newly formed C-SAF will work together to establish a platform within Canada for the creation and distribution of SAF. The goal is for SAF usage to become widespread in Canada.
There are more than 6o airlines within the council, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, FedEx, KLM, United Airlines, WestJet, and more.
In addition to airline members, the council also includes key stakeholders, such as Airbus, Bombardier, GE Aviation, IATA, Neste, Pratt & Whitney, Shell, Suncor Energy, and more. Various airports across Canada are also among the founding members.
The council will also work with governments and other stakeholders to create and design SAF policies and programs in Canada.
“Decarbonizing Canadian aviation requires collaboration between industry, governments, scientists and airlines. The C-SAF provides a space for a common dialogue to facilitate the exchange of ideas to reduce GHG emissions from aviation and we strongly believe that with everyone working together, change can happen faster,” – Geoff Tauvette, Executive Director, C-SAF.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Canada
SAF is created using sustainable materials or waste and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% – all without the need for major aircraft modifications. SAF can also be mixed with a traditional jet fuel blend. By incorporating the use of SAF into operations, C-SAF is working toward achieving carbon neutrality in the aviation sector.
“The aviation industry is in constant evolution to ensure a greener future for our planet. With the launch of the Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Canada’s aviation sector will remain competitive and will create jobs for Canadians while reducing pollution. This initiative will help in Canada’s goal in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is a step in the right direction for the aviation industry,” – the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport
In Canada, the resources to create SAF are readily available. Renewable feedstocks, low-carbon energy sources, climate policies, and carbon pricing will make creating SAF in Canada possible.
The challenge for C-SAF will be to make that fuel affordable. At the moment, SAF is up to eight times more costly than conventional jet fuel. For that reason, Canada has not historically been a significant producer or exporter of SAF.
In recent years, many airlines across the globe have been testing, producing, and implementing SAF programs, including Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and more.
What do you think of this newly formed council? Let us know in the comments below!
