American Airlines and Google Sign Record-Breaking Green Fuel Deal

Fort Worth-based American Airlines and Google have signed a record-breaking sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) agreement, marking the largest publicly announced partnership of its kind between an airline and a single corporate customer.

The three-year deal will unlock 35 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc), resulting in nearly 300,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions reductions.

How the Partnership Works

Under the agreement, American Airlines will take delivery of physical fuel at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The sustainable portion of the fuel will be produced from waste feedstocks, such as used cooking oil. Google will receive the environmental benefits to help address emissions from its employee business travel.

Scaling Clean Energy

Company leaders say the multi-year deal is vital for growing the clean energy market. SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel, making it a critical tool for an industry that generates 2% to 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions.

• Demand Signal: Long-term commitments catalyze investment and bring more SAF to market.
• Supportive Policy: The agreement was made possible by a SAF tax credit enacted by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly.
• Contrail Avoidance: The partnership builds on previous collaborations, including a flight planning trial that yielded a 62% reduction in contrail formation.

"By entering into this long-term commitment, we are sending a vital demand signal to catalyze investment and bring more SAF to market," said Google's Chief Sustainability Officer Kate Brandt.