The skies above Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) witnessed a historic moment on September 25, 2024, as the first flight powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) took off. This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in the journey towards cleaner air travel.
Montana Renewables, the largest SAF producer in North America, provided MSP with its inaugural shipment of 7,000 gallons of SAF. This innovative fuel is derived from Minnesota-grown winter camelina, a non-food renewable source that offers additional cash crop potential for farmers. Montana Renewables meticulously produced and blended the SAF, which was then shipped to MSP by Shell Aviation. Delta Air Lines proudly designated flight 2732, bound for New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), as the symbolic first SAF-fueled departure.
“Supplying the SAF to MSP marks another significant milestone in the decarbonization of air travel,” stated Bruce Fleming, CEO of Montana Renewables. “Not only does it bring SAF to Minnesota flights, but we are especially pleased to pioneer camelina oil as a non-food renewable that provides additional cash crop potential for farmers.”
Montana Renewables extends its gratitude to Shell Aviation, the Minnesota SAF Hub, and numerous other collaborators who played vital roles in bringing SAF to MSP.
About Montana Renewables
Montana Renewables (MRL) is a leading renewable fuel company based in Great Falls, Montana. MRL specializes in the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Renewable Diesel, Renewable Hydrogen, and Renewable Naphtha. As the largest SAF producer in North America, MRL is committed to meeting the growing demand for sustainable fuels and contributing to a greener future.
MRL is dedicated to providing high-paying jobs and career opportunities in Great Falls, supporting the local economy and enhancing the well-being of the community. The company sources sustainable, renewable, and low-carbon feedstocks from Pacific Northwest farm and ranch operations. These include tallow, distillers corn oil, canola oil, used cooking oil, and camelina oil, which are transformed into renewable transportation fuels with lower emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels.
Montana Renewables is an unrestricted subsidiary of Calumet, Inc.
About Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a blend of synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK) and conventional jet fuel, conforming to ASTM D7566 and ASTM D1655 specifications. SAF is designed to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. As a drop-in compatible fuel, it seamlessly integrates with existing aviation fueling infrastructure and aircraft engine technology.
