Boeing said it purchased two million gallons of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for its commercial operations which it said is the "largest SAF purchase to date."

In a statement, the American planemaker noted that the use of SAF is the "most immediate way" to decarbonize aviation.

"Boeing announced a supply agreement for two million gallons (7.5 million liters) of blended SAF with EPIC Fuels to power its Commercial Airplanes operations in Washington state and South Carolina through 2022," it said, adding that the the agreement is the largest announced SAF procurement by an airframer and further demonstrates Boeing's commitment to decarbonizing aviation. 

The purchase agreement with EPIC Fuels includes a SAF product made from inedible agricultural waste, blending 30% neat SAF with 70% conventional jet fuel.

"SAF is a safe, proven, immediate solution that will help achieve our industry's long-term commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050," says Sheila Remes, Boeing vice president of Environmental Sustainability. "Boeing has been a pioneer in making sustainable aviation fuels a reality. Through this agreement we will reduce our carbon footprint and have SAF available for customer deliveries as well as our own operations."

Boeing noted that sustainably produced jet fuel, which reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 80% over the fuel's life cycle with the potential to reach 100% in the future, is widely recognized as offering the most immediate and greatest potential to decarbonize aviation over the next 20 to 30 years.

The announcement came as Boeing committed last year to deliver its commercial airplanes capable and certified to fly on 100% SAF by 2030.

The planemaker noted that the purchase will enable broader use of SAF for Boeing commercial production, test, ferry, Dreamlifter and customer flights at facilities in Everett, Renton and Seattle in Washington state and North Charleston, South Carolina.

It said EPIC Fuels will also continue to supply customized blends from 50/50% up to 100% SAF for the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program, which accelerates innovation by taking promising technologies out of the lab and testing them in the air to solve real-world challenges for airlines and passengers.

SAF is currently approved for a 50/50 blend with conventional jet fuel for commercial flights.

Boeing noted that it began SAF test flights in 2008, helped gain approval for commercial use in 2011 and enabled airplane delivery flights with SAF starting in 2012. 

Made from several feedstocks, sustainable aviation fuel is certified for commercial use and can be blended with traditional jet fuel without modifications to airplanes, engines or fueling infrastructure.