Can Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator make the Pacific Northwest a SAF leader?

Washington State leaders and industry partners officially launched the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA). The launch event took place on January 8, 2026, at the Boeing Future of Flight facility in Everett. This comprehensive initiative aims to rapidly accelerate the production, deployment, and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The core goal is positioning the Pacific Northwest global hub for sustainable aviation.

Funding and Regional Ambition

CSAA is the most comprehensive and well-funded initiative of its kind in the region. It secured an initial $20 million in funding. This includes a 2025 State of Washington appropriation. An additional $10 million came from a private philanthropic donation. The accelerator is a non-profit organization. It operates in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson highlighted the economic opportunity. He noted the region's long legacy of aerospace innovation. The region is uniquely positioned to unlock the next generation of clean fuel. The accelerator's ambitious target is to enable the production of one billion gallons of SAF per year by 2035.

Coalition and Strategy

The CSAA is a diverse, cross-sector coalition. Partners include airlines like Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Manufacturers like Boeing and major consumers like Amazon are involved. Research institutions such as Washington State University (WSU) also play a key role. WSU will help establish a world-leading SAF Research and Development Center at Paine Field Airport.

The strategy focuses on overcoming systemic barriers. This includes closing the price gap between SAF and conventional jet fuel. It also involves developing SAF supply chain logistics. The region has access to local, low-carbon feedstocks. This includes woody biomass, a major opportunity for the region. The goal is to drive regional production capacity.

Global Decarbonization Context

SAF is critical for the decarbonization of aviation. The global aviation industry accounts for approximately 2-3% of global carbon emissions. The US government's SAF Grand Challenge aims for 3 billion gallons per year by 2030. It targets 100% of domestic jet fuel demand by 2050. The Cascadia goal of one billion gallons is a significant step toward meeting these national targets.

However, accelerate SAF deployment faces major challenges. SAF currently accounts for less than 1% of total fuel used. It remains significantly more expensive than traditional jet fuel. The CSAA aims to de-risk the SAF ecosystem. It seeks to enable capital investment for sustainable aviation fuel production. This effort is vital for the future of commercial aviation news and the industry's net-zero goals. Learn more about industry developments in commercial aviation news. [https://flying.flights]

Key Takeaways for Aviation Stakeholders:

• Policy and Investment: The CSAA launch demonstrates strong public-private commitment. The $20 million funding aims to bend the cost curve of low-carbon jet fuel.
• Regional Impact: The goal of one billion gallons of SAF by 2035 would strengthen regional energy security. It would also create new jobs in the clean energy sector.
• Technological Focus: The accelerator will focus on new SAF production pathways. This includes leveraging local feedstocks like woody biomass. This supports the global push for SAF. The IATA supports such regional initiatives.