Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Jet fuel is different around here. We are helping fuel progress toward a cleaner and more resilient future with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Our purpose of serving the community and economy that supports it goes beyond connecting travellers and cargo to global destinations. We are committed to doing our part to address climate change and, with our long history of innovation and sustainability, we are taking action to become Net Zero by 2030 and supporting the aviation industry's climate goals.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel graphic

A key element of the broader aviation industry's net zero by 2050 goal is reducing carbon emissions from flight.

That's why YVR has partnered with the Province of BC and the Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (C-SAF) to help increase the use of cleaner fuels or SAF to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from flight.

SAF is a lower-carbon alternative to fossil jet fuel. It is made from renewable materials, such as municipal solid waste, fats, oil, and greases from cooking waste and meat production, and agricultural and forestry residue. It is not a fossil fuel.

Every flight is a chance to make a difference. Look for options to support SAF when booking your next flight with your airline.

What is SAF?

SAF is a lower-carbon alternative to fossil jet fuel that can be used safely in today's aircraft. It is a "drop-in" fuel, meaning it is blended with fossil jet fuel and works within existing airport infrastructure and aircraft engines.

SAF can lower lifecycle emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to fossil jet fuel. That's because SAF is made with renewable and waste-derived materials, such as municipal solid waste, waste fats and oils, and agricultural and forestry residue. Using these materials rather than traditional fossil sources of jet fuel reduces emissions because it uses carbon that's already circulating in today's biosphere, while fossil fuel releases carbon that has been locked underground for millions of years.

SAF is already being used safely by airlines around the world today, with high quality standards adopted by industry and government. The aviation industry is actively working toward using 100 per cent SAF in the future.

Why is YVR interested in SAF?

As Canada's second busiest airport and a global gateway between North America, Asia and beyond, YVR plays an important role in connecting people, goods, and ideas. While reducing emissions from our own operations remains a key priority, we are also taking a leadership role to increase the use of SAF to support the aviation industry's transition to lower carbon flight.

Sustainability is embedded in how we plan for the future. We evaluate every decision through a sustainability lens to ensure we deliver positive, lasting outcomes for both the airport and the region.

Advances in aircraft efficiency mean that increases in aircraft movements are no longer directly tied to increases in emissions. SAF is central to continued progress toward the industry's climate goals, helping ensure global connectivity while significantly lowering lifecycle emissions compared to fossil jet fuel.

SAF is one of the most effective tools available to reduce aviation emissions at scale. Expanding its use at YVR supports regional and industry climate goals, helps grow demand for lower-carbon fuels, and positions British Columbia as a leader in the transition to more sustainable air travel.

What are the benefits of SAF?

SAF offers several environmental benefits compared to conventional jet fuel:

  • Up to 80 per cent lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions
  • Reduction in particulate matter and sulfur emissions
  • Compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure
  • Supports the use of waste and renewable resources

Work to date

In 2025, YVR implemented a business travel policy emphasizing lower environmental impact travel choices and purchases SAF to offset emissions for business travel on Air Canada flights through the airline’s Leave Less program. Remaining flights’ emissions are covered through the purchase of offsets.

In addition, YVR also has a leadership role in the B.C. Low Carbon Jet Fuel Incentive Program, which supports airlines that use SAF in B.C. Through incentives provided to airlines that operate at YVR, this program is helping fund the transition from fossil jet fuel to SAF and drive significant carbon savings from flights. For example, during the first two years of the program, more than 28.1 million litres of SAF was purchased resulting in the avoidance of approximately 61,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions. Learn more about this program.

Read more about how we are reducing our climate impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, SAF is a safe alternative fuel that can be used in place of or in addition to fossil jet fuel to power aircraft.

SAF is an emerging fuel source. At present, limited production and high prices prevent more widespread use. As production increases and more supply becomes available, costs are likely to lower and a higher proportion of SAF will likely be used in flights around the world.

While SAF has a higher cost than fossil jet fuel, programs like the Low Carbon Jet Fuel Incentive Program help offset the cost of SAF for airlines. Governments and industry are working together to support the development of a made-in-B.C. solution for SAF, which presents an opportunity to further enhance economic, environmental and community benefits for the province. In fact, biofuel producers in B.C., such as Sunoco’s Burnaby refinery and Tidewater Renewables are actively looking at how to make SAF in B.C. Increasing production and growing supply are expected to play an important role in helping keep pricing manageable over time.

While the industry continues to work at ensuring flights can safely operate with 100 per cent SAF in place of fossil jet fuel, current production levels of SAF make it unlikely to fully replace fossil jet fuel in the medium term.

Learn more

More questions?

Send us an email with your comments or questions: community_relations@yvr.ca

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