Pittsburg Airport to Produce SAF
According to multiple media reports, Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) is participating in the aviation industry's shift towards sustainable fuels and making significant strides. It is poised to disclose its plans to produce on-site Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Aviation Week recently revealed that PIT is in the final stages of preparing a request for information regarding SAF production, expected to be unveiled in July. However, an executive from the airport authority hinted that the announcement might be made even earlier. The executive also emphasised PIT's commitment to exploring a diverse range of strategies for SAF adoption.
Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny Airport Authority responsible for managing PIT, shared insights with ATW, stating, "We have already established partnerships with hydrogen production companies, utilising our natural gas resources to enable hydrogen production. Our objective is to accelerate the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable fuels while actively contributing to the urgent global demands of the aviation industry."
PIT has made significant strides in addressing climate change and implementing sustainable business practices. According to Aviation Week, it became the first airport in the United States to operate a self-sustaining microgrid. In 2021, it achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the world's first airport to be fully powered by natural gas and solar energy as part of its microgrid initiative.
The airport relies primarily on on-site power generation to meet its energy needs, serving both the terminals and the airfield. This power is sourced from a combination of natural gas wells and an impressive array of 9,360 solar panels spread across several acres of land.
In an interview with Aviation Week, Cassotis shared that PIT is taking a methodical approach to SAF production, adopting a "crawl, walk, run" strategy. The initial phase involves developing plans for on-site fuel blending. Additionally, the airport has future plans to export SAF via the nearby Ohio River, showcasing its commitment to expanding sustainable practices beyond its own operations.
The aviation industry has been making notable progress in the adoption of SAF. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently issued a statement urging governments worldwide to implement policies that encourage and support the increased production of sustainable aviation fuels.
In a LinkedIn post, IATA highlighted that SAF plays a crucial role in mitigating the harmful carbon emissions responsible for climate change. According to the organisation, the use of SAF can lead to a reduction of carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent.
The IATA post expressed optimism about the future of SAF, stating, "With 100% carbon reduction and 100% certification on the way, the future looks bright from a technology perspective." This indicates that advancements in technology and the commitment to achieving complete carbon reduction and certification are paving the way for a more sustainable aviation industry.
Source: Travel Pulse
