Delta, Georgia leaders unite to accelerate SAF growth
Delta Air Lines announced Sept. 30 that it has joined partners across Georgia to launch the Georgia Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition, a new statewide effort established by the Metro Atlanta Chamber and founding members Delta, the Georgia Forestry Association and Georgia Farm Bureau.
The coalition aims to advance SAF production and drive economic investment across Georgia.
SAF is an alternative jet fuel made from renewable feedstocks that can significantly reduce lifecycle-carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
During an event at the Delta Flight Museum, elected officials, industry leaders and coalition partners gathered to highlight Georgia’s opportunity to become a leader in SAF production.
Speakers included Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick and Delta President Peter Carter.
“Georgia is well-positioned to become a national leader in SAF,” Carter said. “The Georgia SAF Coalition unites organizations committed to advancing that opportunity. Together, we can power the growth of a SAF industry that strengthens Georgia’s economy, supports innovation and creates lasting benefits for communities across the state.”
The coalition builds on momentum created by this year’s Keep Georgia Forested Act, legislation that encourages investment in forestry manufacturing and creates new opportunities to convert Georgia-grown agricultural and forestry feedstocks into products such as SAF.
Priorities include strengthening public-private partnerships, supporting research and commercialization, attracting investment, advancing policies that support industry growth and connecting Georgia’s existing strengths to emerging opportunities.
As home to Delta’s global headquarters and the world’s busiest airport, Georgia is already helping shape the future of aviation.
Combined with the nation’s largest forestry-resource base, strong agricultural production, leading research institutions and a robust logistics network, the state is uniquely positioned to build an ecosystem for SAF that supports farmers, foresters and local communities while creating new economic opportunities across Georgia.
SAF is widely viewed as one of the most promising tools available today to reduce lifecycle-carbon emissions from air travel, and Georgia has the feedstock resources, research capabilities and business leadership needed to help scale the industry.
Find more information about the Georgia SAF Coalition and the full list of members here.
