Michael Terrell, Google’s senior climate and energy director.
Google has become the latest multinational to join a Shell-backed blockchain platform allowing airlines to sell sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits to corporate customers. The Avelia program, launched last year by Shell and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), is initially offering 1 million gallons of SAF credits to companies. Avelia claims this can power nearly 15,000 business flights from London to New York City.
The initiative connects firms with airlines willing to share SAF price premiums to slash emissions and spur demand in the low-carbon biofuels market. Avelia is one of the first blockchain SAF “book and claim” solutions for companies seeking to decarbonize business travel.
Google joins Bank of America, Aon and airlines such as Delta, Cathay Pacific and JetBlue already participating. SAF will play a “critical role” in reducing aviation emissions, says Michael Terrell, Google’s senior climate and energy director.
Amex GBT president, Andrew Crawley, says SAF is key to decarbonizing flight, which comprises around 90% of corporate travel emissions. “To have Google join our growing SAF program shows how collaboration can accelerate aviation’s net-zero transition,” says Crawley.
By linking Shell’s airline customers with Amex GBT’s over 19,000 corporate customers, the firms hope Avelia can boost SAF demand and lower costs through scale.
Jan Toschka, Shell Aviation president, welcomed Google’s participation as an “important milestone,” adding: “Scaling SAF uptake requires aviation value-chain teamwork.”