FedEx Expands Green Fuel Use: Which Two Major US Hubs Are Next for SAF?

FedEx Corporation has significantly expanded its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) program. The cargo giant introduced blended SAF at two major hubs. These are Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

This expansion brings the company’s total to five major U.S. airports using SAF. The other three airports are Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), and Miami (MIA). This move is a key part of the FedEx carbon reduction strategy.

SAF Deployment and Procurement Details

The new fuel deliveries began toward the end of 2025. FedEx partnered with World Fuel Services for the DFW and JFK supply. The agreement covers two million neat gallons of SAF. This fuel is delivered as a minimum 30% blend with conventional jet fuel.

Across all five airport agreements, FedEx has secured the equivalent of five million gallons of neat SAF. Notably, FedEx became the first airline to purchase SAF at DFW. This excludes any previous pilot projects at the airport.

SAF is considered a “drop-in” fuel. It can be used in existing aircraft and infrastructure. It offers a reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.

Corporate and Industry Sustainability Goals

This increased SAF use supports the broader aviation industry decarbonization efforts. FedEx has set ambitious goals for its operations. The company aims for a 40% reduction in aircraft emissions intensity by 2034.

They are also targeting carbon-neutral operations by 2040. A major step is sourcing 30% of their fuel from alternative sources by 2030. The company continues to modernize its fleet to improve efficiency.

SAF procurement remains a critical challenge for the global industry. Currently, SAF accounts for a very small fraction of total jet fuel consumption. The U.S. government has set a target of three billion gallons of SAF production by 2030. This is part of the national SAF Grand Challenge.

Industry groups like IATA stress the need for rapid production scale-up. Expanding SAF usage is essential for meeting net-zero goals. The commitment by FedEx Sustainable Aviation Fuel purchases helps build market demand.

Robert Horton of DFW noted the importance of collaboration. Airlines, airports, and fuel providers must work together. This ensures sustainable operations within existing airport infrastructure. The blended sustainable aviation fuel deployment at these hubs shows progress.

For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights.

For detailed airline coverage, route changes, and fleet moves, explore the Airlines section at flying.flights/airlines.