Massachusetts Port Authority, state leaders launch vision for regional SAF hub

The Massachusetts Sustainable Aviation Fuel Working Group, a partnership between multiple state agencies and the Massachusetts Port Authority, unveiled a report June 5 with actionable recommendations to Gov. Maura Healey aimed at positioning Massachusetts as a national leader in SAF production, supply and adoption.

This cross-agency team is comprised of the Executive Offices of Economic Development, Energy and Environmental Affairs, Administration and Finance, the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division and Massport.

The announcement was made June 5 at the Regional Sustainable Aviation Fuel Workshop, cohosted by Massport, which brought together over 130 industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders from across the region to explore practical steps for advancing technology and policies to support SAF development and deployment.

With aircraft responsible for nearly 80 percent of greenhouse-gas emissions at Boston Logan, Massport is focused on supporting airlines in their journey to decarbonize—and SAF is a cornerstone of that strategy.

“Cleaner air and a healthier environment are important to everyone, and reducing pollution from aviation is essential for achieving this goal,” said Rebecca Tepper, secretary for energy and environmental affairs. “These recommendations highlight the need to explore viable, long-term strategies that support cleaner air travel. We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this effort.”

Melissa Hoffer, climate chief, added, “Aviation contributes significant pollution to our air, and these recommendations recognize the urgent need to find ways to make air travel cleaner, while also providing an opportunity to further our state’s leadership in climatech. We’re proud to have worked across government to develop these recommendations and push Massachusetts forward as a leader in sustainable and cleaner aviation.”

MassCEC CEO Emily Reichert said, “Massachusetts has the assets, talent and innovation ecosystem to lead in sustainable aviation fuel, and this report lays out clear next steps to help us get there. Advancing SAF production and adoption will not only reduce harmful pollution, it will also unlock new economic opportunities across our clean energy and transportation industries and their supply chains. MassCEC is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort to position the commonwealth at the forefront of sustainable aviation.”

Ashley Stolba, the interim secretary of economic development, said, “Massachusetts has been at the forefront of innovation for over 250 years, and the recommendations of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Working Group are the latest example of how we tackle big challenges with bold solutions. With Massport’s leadership and the SAF working group’s partnership with our world-class industries, the commonwealth is not only preparing for a cleaner future—we’re helping to shape it, addressing complex issues that affect not just our state, but the entire country and the world.”

Based on research, best practices from other states and input from experts, the SAF workgroup identified five short-term and long-term recommendations:

• Launch a regional SAF planning study—conduct a comprehensive study of SAF production, transportation, storage, blending and usage, including current jet-fuel logistics and regional feedstock opportunities. Timeline: Target completion by fall 2025.

• Establish a Massachusetts/New England SAF hub—form a regional SAF hub with key stakeholders (major employers, academia, airports, airlines and general aviation) to foster collaboration, share information and drive short- and long-term SAF initiatives. Timeline: Near-term launch, including a regional SAF workshop.

• Leverage existing programs and federal support—promote existing state programs supporting climate goals, technology and economic development to boost SAF production and innovation. Explore federal opportunities to strengthen SAF’s role in the climatetech ecosystem. Timeline: Begin near-term; continue through medium and long term.

• Advance SAF tax-credit legislation—propose legislation for tax incentives supporting SAF blending, storage, production infrastructure and new technology adoption to overcome cost barriers and accelerate market adoption. Timeline: Initiate discussions in the near term.

• Form a regional SAF alliance—unite the six New England states and New York to coordinate SAF policies, scale industry development and expand feedstock sources. Timeline: Medium to long term, building on progress from the SAF hub.

“Reducing fuel emissions is an urgent priority for anyone who cares about our environment and the well-being of our communities,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This report offers thoughtful, actionable strategies to advance aviation decarbonization in Massachusetts. We’re committed to turning these recommendations into real, measurable progress through continued cross-agency collaboration and knowledge-sharing.”

Denise Garcia, MassDOT Aeronautics’ acting administrator, added, “The aviation sector is known for bold innovation—not only in how we will take to the air, but also in evaluating and improving our practices for the greater good. It is an honor to work with colleagues towards a greener, more fuel-efficient future in aeronautics.”

Massport CEO Rich Davey said, “With its rich pool of talent, innovation and commitment, Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in shaping the future of sustainable aviation. Through our efforts to establish Massachusetts and New England as a hub for SAF production and innovation, we’re not only supporting the decarbonization of air travel, we’re also creating new opportunities for economic growth, workforce development and climate leadership in the commonwealth.”

Since announcing a goal to achieve net zero in 2022, Massport has made significant progress, paving the way for continued advancements in sustainability.

Massport has committed over $500 million in investments to net-zero projects over the next five years, which will set the groundwork for future reductions.

These investments allow the authority to lay the groundwork for the big-ticket items coming in the years ahead—by working to secure renewable energy sources, expand its capacity to support electric-vehicle charging, and bring large scale sustainable infrastructure from plan to building.

In November, the authority announced an additional $60 million project to bring shore power to two berths at Flynn Cruiseport Boston, making Boston the first port in New England to have it.

Most recently, in April, the authority announced a deal to develop one of the largest solar fields in the state, on unused property adjacent to Worcester Regional Airport.