WestJet has acquired the first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available for purchase in Canada from Shell Aviation. The fuel will be supplied via Shell Aviation’s Avelia program, one of the world’s first blockchain-powered digital book-and-claim solutions.
On Friday (April 19, 2024), WestJet announced that they have purchased the first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) available in Canada from Shell Aviation. WestJet’s SAF will be supplied through Shell Aviation’s Avelia program, one of the world’s first blockchain-powered digital SAF book-and-claim solutions for air travel. This is just the latest milestone in WestJet’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and advancing sustainability in the Canadian aviation industry.
In Friday’s announcement, WestJet Group’s EVP and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer, Angela Avery, said,
“WestJet is committed to enhancing our position as a first mover in sustainability technologies. Just as we pioneered advancements in Winglets and drag reduction, WestJet proudly stands as the first airline to acquire SAF by Shell in Canada. Thanks to Shell's world-class fuel supply chain and WestJet's proven track record in sustainability, this first step sets the stage for future collaboration and innovation to encourage investments in this important lever for decarbonization.”
Also commenting on the SAF partnership, Shell Aviation America’s General Manager, Christine Bassitt, said,
“We are delighted to supply WestJet with SAF, as we continue to support our customers on their decarbonization journeys, while simultaneously building out the supply chain in Canada to enable more customers to access SAF.”
In 27 years of service, WestJet has cut airfares for Canadians in half and increased the flying population around Canada by over 50 percent. The airline launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, and has now grown to more than 180 aircraft and 14,000 employees, offering service to over 100 destinations in 26 countries.
Source: WestJet