The future of aviation fuel: SAF. JAL aims to replace 10% of its fuel by fiscal year 2030.
"SAF stands for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and is aviation fuel made from resources other than crude oil. By using resources derived from plants such as waste cooking oil and thinned wood, it is a fuel that can significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels."
These were the words of Yayoi Abe, manager of the Procurement Headquarters' Domestic SAF Promotion Task Force.
"SAF itself, like conventional aviation fuel, emits CO2 when burned. However, a major feature of SAF is that it emits less CO2 during the manufacturing process. This is part of efforts toward the goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and JAL has set a goal of replacing 10% of its aviation fuel with SAF by fiscal 2030."
JAL is already using SAF on some flights, and would like to use it more in the future, but there are still many hurdles to overcome.
"First of all, at present, SAF is not yet commercially available in Japan. However, construction of Japan's first SAF manufacturing plant is currently underway in Sakai, Osaka, and commercialization is planned to begin there. This will bring us to the stage where we can produce locally produced, locally consumed, so-called 'domestic SAF.' Until then, we are working to gather the raw materials for SAF domestically."
A domestically produced SAF will soon be launched. We are collecting waste cooking oil as the raw material.
"SAF can be made from a variety of materials. In the past, JAL has flown flights using SAF made from discarded clothing, but other materials can also be used, such as fallen trees and food waste."
The company working on domestically produced SAF is SAFFAIRE SKY ENERGY, a joint venture between JGC Holdings, Cosmo Oil, and Revo International. JAL procures fuel from oil wholesalers, which manufacture and distribute the fuel, but when it comes to domestically produced SAF, it also takes the initiative in collecting raw materials domestically.
Provided by: JGC Holdings Corporation
"We focused on unused waste cooking oil from households. Waste cooking oil is generated not only from restaurants but also from households, and it is said that 100,000 tons of oil that is no longer needed after use in households is generated annually across Japan. Approximately 80% of collected waste cooking oil is said to become SAF."
"I believe there is value in letting people know that things they would have otherwise thrown away can lead to resource recycling. We ask people to put used cooking oil from their homes into bottles and place them in collection boxes at supermarkets and other locations. It would be great if we could increase momentum for resource recycling by starting with an easy, local initiative. A small wave could be started, and it could become a big trend that changes society. As someone involved in the aviation industry, I believe it is my duty to ensure that efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve sustainability take root in society."
We named this initiative "Fly in the sky with discarded oil," and we are currently working with Daiei, the Aeon Group, Yokohama City, and others. We would like to continue expanding this framework.
"Those who agree with this initiative and would like to take part will pay a participation fee of 220 yen (tax included) to join the project. Participants will receive an original JAL UCO bottle* for used cooking oil and an original sticker."
*UCO=Used Cooking Oil
JAL is not the only company working to turn waste cooking oil into SAF. JAL is participating in the "Fry to Fly Project," in which various companies across industries are working to realize a world in which aircraft fly on SAF made from waste cooking oil.
"JAL's sales staff at various branches around the country collect used cooking oil at various events, such as the City Marathon and Sky Day, and call for its reuse. It is very important that many people become aware of the issue through such activities."
You can help ensure future flights with SAF
When you hear the term aviation fuel, it may seem like something far away, but with SAF, it is an initiative that is closely related to our customers' daily lives.
"Of course, it's important that by utilizing waste cooking oil, we can make society a little better in the future, but I would be happy if you could get a sense that your own efforts can contribute to something bigger. Isn't it exciting to think that your cooperation is helping to make such a large airplane fly?"
If this initiative progresses, it will not only contribute to environmental conservation but also lead to a stable supply of aviation fuel. JAL also implements the "JAL Corporate SAF Program," which provides the environmental value of reducing corporate CO2 emissions from air cargo transport and business trips through SAF.
It may not be widely known that everyday items are being replaced with more sustainable ones. However, in the near future, JAL flights you take for travel or business may be using fuel made from used cooking oil from households. To make this future a reality, JAL will work with our customers to find ways to minimize the burden on the earth.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
