MINNEAPOLIS- Atlanta-based carrier Delta Air Lines (DL) achieved a significant milestone in sustainable aviation by operating its first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)-powered flight from Minneapolis (MSP) to New York LaGuardia (LGA).
The Airbus A321 aircraft used SAF produced at the Minnesota SAF Hub facility in Minneapolis, marking a crucial step in the airport’s sustainability efforts.
Delta Minneapolis to New York
The flight took off on Wednesday at 4 p.m., scheduled to arrive in New York at 7:30 p.m. during the city’s climate week. This event showcases Delta’s commitment to sustainability, as the airline aims to make Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is the first where all its flights use SAF.
The Minnesota SAF Hub, led by Greater MSP, orchestrated this initiative as part of its broader mission to decarbonize the airline industry. Peter Frosch, president and CEO of Greater MSP, emphasized the significance of this event in building a SAF economy anchored in Minnesota.
The SAF used in this flight was derived from camelina, a cover crop grown by farmers in Minnesota and North Dakota. Minnetonka-based Cargill partnered with these farmers to produce 2,000 acres of winter camelina.
This oil-rich seed crop can be grown in rotation with other crops, allowing farmers to produce SAF without displacing food crops.
The airline industry contributes approximately 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This SAF initiative represents a crucial step towards reducing these emissions and promoting sustainable air travel.
32% Blend of SAF
Cargill processed 25,000 gallons of camelina oil at its West Fargo plant, transporting it to Montana for SAF blending. By late 2025, a Pine Bend facility will handle local blending operations, streamlining the production process, Star Tribune Reported.
Michael Wojciechowski, director of commercial optimization at Montana Renewables, explained that half a bushel of camelina yields approximately one gallon of SAF blending component. The Delta flight used a 32% SAF blend, consuming about 2,300 gallons of the 7,000 gallons delivered to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Peter Frosch, president and CEO of Greater MSP, emphasized the dual benefits of this initiative: decarbonizing air travel and improving water quality on agricultural lands while providing new income sources for local farmers.
Anne Schwagerl, vice president of the Minnesota Farmers Union, participated in the pilot program, growing 75 acres of camelina.
Despite challenging weather conditions, she produced about 700 pounds per acre, slightly below expectations. Schwagerl highlighted the agricultural sector’s role in the emerging climate-smart ecosystem.
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