Thursday 30 June 2022

Amex and Shell launch blockchain SAF program for businesses

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) and Shell Aviation are calling on the private sector to join a new program that provides sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to its members.

The blockchain-powered program will provide new joining organisations with one million gallons of SAF, certified in line with regulations for the country it is being delivered to.

These purchased deliveries will be used to cut the carbon emissions of business travel, with partnering airlines receiving SAF at cheaper prices – split with the joining member.

Companies will use the blockchain program to ‘book-and-claim’ SAF – meaning they can invest in it and purchase it. Even if their flight cannot store SAF, the purchased fuel can be sent to be used in another aircraft at another airport to drive down global emissions.

Accenture and Aon are some of the larger businesses that have joined the program so far.

“This pilot is an important foundational step on our journey towards a net zero world by 2050. As more businesses and organisations like Aon join this SAF pilot program, market signals will grow stronger, making SAF more cost-competitive with conventional jet fuel,” said Amex GBT CEO, Paul Abbott.

Jan Toschka, President, Shell Aviation, added: “SAF is the only viable option for reducing aviation emissions in the near-to medium-term. Lower or zero-carbon technologies such as hydrogen and electric flight are decades away from having impact at scale, while SAF can be used immediately without the need for a fundamental change in infrastructure or aircraft design.”