In a significant milestone for aviation sustainability, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has received its first shipment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking a new chapter in the region’s push to reduce aviation emissions. The 7,000-gallon batch of blended SAF, made from winter camelina plants grown in Minnesota and North Dakota, signals a major breakthrough in the state’s efforts to build a thriving SAF economy.
A Regional Effort in Sustainable Aviation
This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Minnesota SAF Hub, a coalition of business groups and organizations working to bring SAF to the state. The camelina used for this shipment was first processed in North Dakota, then sent to Montana for blending with traditional jet fuel. Delta Air Lines, which operates over 70% of flights at MSP, purchased the batch for use during New York Climate Week, showcasing the airline’s commitment to sustainable travel.
A “symbolic first flight” using SAF took off from MSP to New York, but notably, all planes refueling at the airport this week will receive some amount of SAF, thanks to its integration into the overall fuel supply.
The Future of SAF in Minnesota
While Minnesota’s own SAF blending facility is expected to come online next year, this initial shipment lays the groundwork for a larger, more sustainable aviation fuel network. The SAF used in this delivery was made from winter camelina—a regenerative crop that not only supports sustainable fuel production but also promotes environmentally friendly farming practices.
Peter Frosch, CEO of Greater MSP Partnership, celebrated the shipment as a “major milestone,” emphasizing the innovative nature of camelina and its potential to reshape Minnesota’s agricultural landscape. Last year, with support from Cargill, farmers in Minnesota and North Dakota planted 2,000 acres of camelina, underscoring the crop’s growing importance in sustainable aviation.
The Road Ahead for SAF Adoption
Despite the excitement surrounding this development, it’s important to note that SAF is still in its infancy when compared to the vast quantities of fuel required for commercial aviation. Delta alone consumed over 250 million gallons of traditional jet fuel last year at MSP, while the total fuel usage at the airport exceeded 330 million gallons. This week’s 7,000-gallon shipment represents just a fraction of that total, but it’s a significant first step toward reducing the aviation sector’s reliance on fossil fuels.
The arrival of SAF at MSP is a clear indication that the aviation industry is beginning to embrace more sustainable practices. As more facilities come online and SAF production scales up, we can expect to see SAF play an increasingly central role in the industry’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Supporting SAF Adoption
As a sustainability consultancy dedicated to advancing cleaner practices in the aviation sector, VURDHAAN is actively engaged in promoting the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) across airports, airlines, and regulators. Through initiatives like ReFuelEU, CORSIA, and collaborations with leading industry stakeholders, we provide expert support to organizations looking to integrate SAF into their operations.
This milestone at MSP is just one of many steps toward a greener future for aviation. At VURDHAAN, we are proud to work alongside industry leaders to foster the growth of SAF, reduce emissions, and ensure a sustainable path forward for the aviation sector.
Conclusion
MSP’s first delivery of Sustainable Aviation Fuel marks a significant leap toward reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. Though small in scale, it represents a meaningful shift toward greener air travel and the beginning of a much larger transition for the aviation industry. As the demand for SAF grows and infrastructure continues to develop, initiatives like this will become essential in helping the aviation sector reach its long-term sustainability goals.
With continued collaboration between government, industry, and sustainability advocates, SAF holds the promise of a cleaner, more sustainable future for aviation.