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Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an alternative to traditional jet fuel, produced from renewable and waste-derived sources such as used cooking oil, animal fats, agricultural residues, and non- edible plants. SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
Over its lifecycle, SAF can lower these emissions by up to 80%, as the materials used absorb CO2 during their growth, offsetting the emissions produced when the fuel is burned.217 Beyond reducing carbon emissions, SAF contains lower levels of sulfur and produces fewer particulate emissions. This leads to improved air quality around airports.218
SAF is a valuable “bridge” fuel because it can fuel existing aircraft; this allows for immediate emission reductions while researchers perfect hydrogen and electric propulsion technologies.219 In 2023, SAF production grew to 26.3 million gallons–up from 2 million in 2016.220 The
213 IndustriAll European Trade Union and European Transport Workers’ Federation.
217 Moriarty and Kvien, “US Airport Infrastructure and Sustainable Aviation Fuel.”
219 Bruce et al., “Opportunities for Hydrogen in Commercial Aviation.”
220 Alternative Fuels Data Center, “Renewable Diesel.”
International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts SAF could provide about 65% of the emissions reduction needed for aviation to reach net-zero CO2 by 2050.221
SAF production could also spark job creation. According to the Climate Jobs Institute’s “Washington Climate Jobs Roadmap: A Worker-Centered Approach to a Clean Energy Future,” Washington could generate over 20,000 jobs by building two SAF plants. New plants would create permanent positions for workers to manage operations, maintain equipment, run tests in labs, and handle paperwork. Preparing forest materials to be converted to fuel would create an additional stream of jobs. The SAF industry would also create forestry jobs. The process of supplying SAF plants includes trimming trees to help prevent fires. Washington’s SAF industry is already poised to create high-quality jobs for IAM members.222
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As key industry players implement more sustainable practices, the IAM can help ensure the next generation of aerospace workers have access to safe workplaces and quality union careers. By leading on sector-wide decarbonization, the IAM can protect existing jobs and create avenues to organize future workplaces. Holden emphasizes that the IAM must be proactive to “set the standard” for a changing economy. “We have to create the next generation of workers,” he says.223
In 2024, IAM leaders bargaining the Boeing contract are demanding a say in airplane safety and quality control.224 Boeing is under intense scrutiny for the safety of its airplanes, and 32,000 IAM members’ livelihoods depend on how the company responds to ongoing crises. Bargaining over these issues allows the IAM to simultaneously advocate for the public good, secure job security for members, and shape the future of a changing industry.