Embraer partners with Avfuel to increase SAF adoption at Melbourne Orlando International

Photo: Embraer

Embraer announced May 23 an agreement with Avfuel to increase its uptake of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ at Melbourne Orlando International Airport (KMLB) in Florida to one load per week.

The duo entered the first SAF agreement in July 2021 in support of Embraer’s flight operations out of MLB.

This agreement saw Avfuel deliver one 8,000-gallon truckload of Neste MY SAF per quarter to Sheltair MLB, the fixed-base operator (FBO) that provides storage and handling services for Embraer.

With the updated weekly agreement beginning in April, the extended partnership is expected to result in a total of 240,000 U.S. gallons of SAF delivered to Embraer in 2024, representing a significant increase when compared to previous years.

Each truckload will provide a 19-metric-ton reduction in carbon emissions, resulting in a 570-metric-ton reduction in carbon emissions for the year.

“Embraer’s collaboration with Avfuel and Sheltair marks a pivotal milestone in our journey toward net-zero emission flight operations,” said Michael Amalfitano, president and CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “Our continued investment in SAF demonstrates our dedication to reducing emissions today and driving the industry closer to the net-zero aviation goal by 2050.”

C.R. Sincock II, Avfuel’s executive vice president, said, “Embraer has been a steadfast partner in SAF adoption from day one. We are proud to play a part in its impressive sustainability journey by drastically increasing SAF supply to help fulfill its team’s admirable sustainability goals. The Avfuel team also extends its gratitude to Sheltair for the pivotal role it plays in making this agreement possible with industry-leading fuel safety and handling services.”

Leonel Rivera, the senior vice president of FBO operations for Sheltair, said, “Sheltair is excited to support Embraer by handling and storing these SAF deliveries. This collaboration between Sheltair, Embraer and Avfuel shows our commitment to reaching the industry’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By combining our knowledge and resources, we will be able to handle and store weekly fuel deliveries of SAF.”

Embraer’s investment in SAF will primarily support flight demonstrations, deliveries and production flights in Melbourne.

In addition to its investment in SAF, Embraer continues to improve the efficiency of its current portfolio of aircraft, explore alternative low- to zero-emission propulsion technologies, and offer complimentary carbon offsetting to new Embraer Executive Care customers through its partnership with 4AIR.

These efforts support the company’s environmental commitments, which include achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040 and net-zero aviation by 2050, aligned with the industry’s Fly Net Zero commitment.