WestJet flies from JFK to Calgary on SAF blend

In New York state, WestJet on Tuesday operated the airline’s second ever sustainable aviation fuel flight with the departure of WestJet flight WS1681 out of New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to YYC Calgary International Airport.

The departure of WS1681 coincided with the end of New York’s UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC where world leaders gathered to discuss critical issues facing our environment, including the need to decarbonize and reduce global emissions. 

WestJet purchased 4,500 gallons of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation FuelTM from Avfuel Corporation for the September 26 flight, providing an approximate 11 metric ton reduction in carbon emissions over the fuel’s lifecycle. SAF is the most effective way to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel and Neste MY SAF can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel when used in its neat form. Neste MY SAF is made from 100% sustainably sourced, renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. The SAF can be blended in with conventional jet fuel to meet all certification and safety requirements, making it an ideal solution to reduce GHGs from air travel, while requiring no new investments in aircraft engines, fuel infrastructure or distribution processes. The partnership between Neste, the world’s largest SAF producer, and Avfuel made the SAF flight possible.