Fri Oct 18 08:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Southwest Airlines Commits to Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Chicago Midway Airport

**Chicago, Illinois – October 18, 2024** – Southwest Airlines announced today a major agreement with Valero Marketing and Supply Company to bring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). This two-year deal marks the largest SAF supply agreement announced in Illinois.

As part of the agreement, Southwest will purchase at least 3.6 million gallons of neat SAF (approximately 12 million gallons blended) for use in its operations starting as early as the fourth quarter of 2024. The airline has the option to increase this to 25 million gallons of neat SAF (about 84 million gallons blended) over the duration of the agreement. This would represent up to 35% of Southwest’s jet fuel usage at MDW based on its consumption in the past year.

The SAF is expected to be produced from renewable waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil, animal tallow, and distiller’s corn oil. This results in a lifecycle greenhouse gas emission reduction of approximately 74% to 84% compared to conventional jet fuel. The SAF will also be certified by a CORSIA-approved Sustainability Certification Scheme (SCS) at the batch level, providing third-party verification that it meets or exceeds Southwest’s SAF policy standards.

Diamond Green Diesel, a joint venture between an affiliate of Valero and Darling Ingredients Inc., will supply the neat SAF. It will be blended with Valero’s conventional jet fuel and delivered through existing fuel delivery infrastructure, including the Explorer Pipeline and West Shore’s Chicagoland pipeline network.

Governor JB Pritzker expressed his support for the initiative, stating that Illinois is committed to becoming a national leader in sustainability and clean energy. He highlighted the impact of the state’s SAF tax credit, which has already spurred increased adoption rates.

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth also commended Southwest Airlines for its commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the importance of increasing the supply of SAF to make American aviation more sustainable. She pledged to continue advocating for increased production of American-grown, American-made SAF from various feedstocks.

Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation emphasized the importance of collaboration between Chicago’s airports and airlines to create a cleaner future for aviation. He expressed enthusiasm for Southwest’s decision to implement SAF at MDW, recognizing its leadership in embracing innovative solutions that benefit the community, travelers, and the environment.

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