NetJets, the world’s largest private jet operator, has made a significant purchase of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in 2024. The company acquired 19.4 million gallons of SAF as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of private aviation.
Patrick Gallagher, president of NetJets, highlighted the company’s commitment to investing in SAF through a LinkedIn post. He stated that NetJets “doubled the amount of SAF we purchased in 2024 compared to the prior year and nobody in the industry buys more SAF than we do.”
Sustainable aviation fuel is an alternative to traditional jet fuel, derived from non-petroleum feedstocks such as waste oil and fats, green and municipal waste, and non-food crops. According to the United States Department of Energy, SAF reduces emissions from air transportation.
Since becoming the launch customer for Signature’s Renew SAF program at San Francisco International Airport in 2020, NetJets has continued to invest in increasing SAF availability across U.S. airports with a commitment to purchasing up to three million gallons.
Despite its benefits, SAF is not entirely carbon-neutral due to emissions generated during feedstock cultivation, processing, and transportation phases. Additionally, it still produces non-CO2 emissions like nitrogen oxides that can harm agricultural crops.
The challenge of sustainably sourcing feedstocks also limits SAF’s potential as a long-term solution for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Limited supply could lead to competition with food production and unsustainable land use if scaled up significantly.
While flying remains one of the most carbon-intensive activities globally, SAF offers a short-term solution for reducing CO2 emissions. The International Air Transport Association estimates that using SAF could contribute around 65% toward reducing these emissions.
However, reaching net-zero CO2 emissions by mid-century will require multiple strategies beyond just increased reliance on SAF. New technologies such as electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft are needed alongside carbon offsets or capture initiatives—and ultimately—a reduction in overall flying activity may be necessary.
Private aviation continues growing post-pandemic despite its role generating significant carbon emissions within this sector; studies show private jets contributed approximately 15.6 million tons directly into our atmosphere last year alone—with numbers rising steadily since pre-pandemic times due largely thanks both affordability increases coupled pandemic-related factors driving demand upwards especially here United States where majority registered today according recent research findings published Nature journal
