Bombardier Receives First Sustainable Fuel Delivery from Avfuel

Dec. 12, 2019

Michigan-based Avfuel recently delivered to Bombardier’s Montreal, Canada facility its first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) shipment. The shipment of 7,300 gallons represents a 2 metric ton reduction in life cycle CO2 emissions, and will be used primarily for new customer aircraft deliveries.

“Working with leading OEMs, like Bombardier, is an opportunity for Avfuel and business aviation as a whole to meet sustainability goals,” said C.R. Sincock, executive vice president for Avfuel in a company press release. “We are appreciative of the Bombardier team for its willingness to participate in this initiative, for its professionalism in working with Avfuel on the logistics, and for the work it’s doing on green initiatives.”

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agreed, adding: “The business aviation community continues to make sustainability a top priority, and the industry’s commitment to the development and wide-spread use of SAF is a key part of that,” said Bolen. “This commendable initiative by Avfuel and Bombardier builds on the important work being done by all stakeholders to ensure that business aviation operates ever-more safely, securely and sustainably.”

Those interested in learning more from AvFuel about sustainable aviation fuel are encouraged to visit avfuel.com/Fuel/Alternative-Fuels, or contact Keith Sawyer, manager of alternative fuels, at ksawyer@avfuel.com for more information.

SAF is safe to use and meets the ASTM D1655 standard, the same industry standard as Jet A and Jet A-1. This means SAF does not negatively impact aircraft performance, nor does it require technical or procedural changes. It can also be used without negatively impacting manufacturer warranties or engine programs.

Despite these positive features, SAF is not yet widely available. It’s important for business aircraft operators to ask their fuel providers to supply SAF – increased demand will naturally result in increased supply and lower prices.

A number of initiatives are underway to promote awareness and encourage demand for SAF. For example, SAF took center stage at NBAA’s 2019 Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), as many aircraft arriving to and departing from the event’s aircraft display were fueled by SAF. Read more about the use of SAF at NBAA-BACE.

In March 2020, NBAA and other industry stakeholders will co-host the new Business Aviation Global Sustainability Summit, which will focus on how to accelerate SAF’s wide-spread adoption and use. Read more about the summit.