Boeing and SkyNRG reveals ambitious global plan to scale SAF
Photo courtesy of Boeing

Boeing and SkyNRG reveals ambitious global plan to scale SAF

Boeing and SkyNRG have announced a partnership focused on scaling the availability and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) globally.

More than 10,000 Boeing-built commercial jetliners are in service worldwide, which is almost half the world fleet.

SkyNRG, which is based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, believes that SAF can eventually replace jet fuel. However, it does not yet have a global footprint and the specification for a 100% sustainable aviation fuel are still being developed. As a leader in the SAF industry, SkyNRG sources and supplies SAF, develops production capacity, advises on policy decisions, manages corporate SAF programs and takes the high road on sustainability. 

SkyNRG Americas is a new company focused on growing SAF production in North America. Its first dedicated U.S. production facility for SAF will supply airports and airlines on the West Coast. Boeing will also invest in SkyNRG Americas’ SAF production project, which includes Alaska Airlines among its partner. Boeing’s investment in the project includes the advance purchase of SAF from this facility for use in company flight tests and other operations.

“This partnership is an important milestone on our journey to decarbonize aerospace, while ensuring that its societal and economic benefits are available to people everywhere,” said Chris Raymond, Boeing chief sustainability officer. 

Boeing, SkyNRG and SkyNRG Americas will work together to accelerate SAF development globally, focusing on scaling production capacity, building awareness and engaging stakeholders throughout the value chain, including airlines, governments and environmental organizations.

“We are extremely proud to take the longstanding Boeing-SkyNRG relationship to this new level. We have always been strong collaborators and through this teaming effort, we’re strengthening our relationship even further,” said Maarten van Dijk, managing director of SkyNRG.

“We are thrilled to be in this partnership with Boeing and grateful for their leadership by providing an advance payment for SAF from our first facility. With this teaming agreement, SkyNRG Americas will be able to accelerate our efforts to expand the SAF industry throughout North America,” said John Plaza, CEO of SkyNRG Americas, which is headquartered in Bend, Oregon, U.S.A.

The partnership builds on Boeing’s long-term industry leadership and investment in SAF. The company began SAF test flights in 2008 and helped gain approval for commercial use in 2011. The Boeing ecoDemonstrator uses SAF for all flight test programs and completed the world’s first commercial airplane flight using 100% SAF in 2018. Early this year, Boeing committed that its commercial airplanes will be capable and certified to fly on 100% SAF by 2030.